signal

[ sig-nl ]

/ ˈsɪg nl /

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See synonyms for: signal / signaled / signaling / signalled on Thesaurus.com

noun

anything that serves to indicate, warn, direct, command, or the like, as a light, a gesture, an act, etc.: a traffic signal; a signal to leave.

anything agreed upon or understood as the occasion for concerted action.

an act, event, or the like that causes or incites some action: The unjust execution was the signal for revolt.

a token; indication.

Electronics. an electrical quantity or effect, as current, voltage, or electromagnetic waves, that can be varied in such a way as to convey information.

Cards. a play that reveals to one's partner a wish that he or she continue or discontinue the suit led.

adjective

serving as a signal; used in signaling: a signal flag.

unusual; notable; outstanding: a signal exploit.

verb (used with object), sig·naled, sig·nal·ing or (especially British) sig·nalled, sig·nal·ling.

to make a signal to.

to communicate or make known by a signal.

verb (used without object), sig·naled, sig·nal·ing or (especially British) sig·nalled, sig·nal·ling.

to make communication by a signal or signals.

OTHER WORDS FOR signal

1, 4 sign.

8 unique, exceptional, remarkable, striking.

See synonyms for signal on Thesaurus.com

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Question 1 of 7

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His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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Origin of signal

1350–1400; Middle English (noun) <Medieval Latin signāle,Late Latin, noun use of neuter of signālis of a sign. See sign, -al², -al¹

OTHER WORDS FROM signal

sig·nal·er; especially British sig·nal·ler, nounpre·sig·nal, noun, verb (used with object), pre·sig·naled, pre·sig·nal·ing or (especially British) pre·sig·nalled, pre·sig·nal·ing.re·sig·nal, verb re·sig·naled, re·sig·nal·ing or (especially British) re·sig·nalled, re·sig·nal·ling.un·sig·naled, adjective

un·sig·nalled, adjective

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH signal

signal , single

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use signal in a sentence

In days of yore, blood on screen was to be feared: think the trickle of blood signaling defilement in old vampire movies.
Sex, Blood and Maroon 5: Pop Culture’s Wounds Run Deep|Lizzie Crocker|October 3, 2014|DAILY BEAST
It could be that those downstream abnormalities in cell development were due to improper signaling from the cerebellum.
Early Brain Injury Might Be the Root of Autism|Russell Saunders|September 7, 2014|DAILY BEAST
You go into hyperalert mode until the threat passes, and other hormones shut down your signaling loop.
We're Talking About Depression All Wrong|Jean Kim|August 20, 2014|DAILY BEAST
“Ahhhmm-hmmmm,” our ranger periodically grunts, signaling our friendly intentions.
Can Gorillas Save the Democratic Republic of the Congo?|Nina Strochlic|April 28, 2014|DAILY BEAST

Vitter has been holding a series of town-hall meetings and tele-town-hall meetings, signaling the obvious intention.
There’s No Getting Rid of David Vitter, America’s Most Contemptible Senator|Michael Tomasky|January 22, 2014|DAILY BEAST
There was no need of Lawrence signaling Dan to come on, for the squad were urging their horses to the limit.
The Courier of the Ozarks|Byron A. Dunn
That signaling device which the messenger carried was an important piece of evidence.
Hooded Detective, Volume III No. 2, January, 1942|Various
Overhead the yardarm blinkers were signaling, and directly over Sara Lee's head a great white searchlight swept the water ahead.
The Amazing Interlude|Mary Roberts Rinehart
"They are to be used in signaling the gunboat," Ned replied.
Boy Scouts in the Philippines|G. Harvey Ralphson
Now the advantage of Dink's method of signaling was in its absolute naturalness.
The Varmint|Owen Johnson

British Dictionary definitions for signal

signal

/ (ˈsɪɡnəl) /

noun

any sign, gesture, token, etc, that serves to communicate information

anything that acts as an incitement to actionthe rise in prices was a signal for rebellion

a variable parameter, such as a current or electromagnetic wave, by which information is conveyed through an electronic circuit, communications system, etc
the information so conveyed
(as modifier)signal strength; a signal generator

adjective

distinguished or conspicuous

used to give or act as a signal

verb -nals, -nalling or -nalled or US -nals, -naling or -naled

to communicate (a message, etc) to (a person)

Derived forms of signal

signaller or US signaler, noun

Word Origin for signal

C16: from Old French seignal, from Medieval Latin signāle, from Latin signum sign

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Scientific definitions for signal

signal

[ sĭg′nəl ]

A fluctuating quantity or impulse whose variations represent information. The amplitude or frequency of voltage, current, electric field strength, light, and sound can be varied as signals representing information.

signal

OTHER WORDS FOR signal

Origin of signal

OTHER WORDS FROM signal

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH signal

Words related to signal

How to use signal in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for signal

Derived forms of signal

Word Origin for signal

Scientific definitions for signal