signal

[ sig-nl ]

/ ˈsɪg nl /

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR signal 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.

Nearby words

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

SYNONYMS FOR signal

1, 4. sign. 8. unique, exceptional, remarkable, striking.

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR signal ON THESAURUS.COM

Related forms

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

Can be confusedsignal single

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for signalled

The poll also signalled that Americans were comfortable with targeted military action again Iran in the worst-case scenario.
Poll: Americans Don’t Trust Obama on Iran|Josh Rogin|January 28, 2014|DAILY BEAST
President Obama signalled his move to a middle strategy in his Tuesday meeting with Congressional leaders.
How To Win Afghanistan|Leslie H. Gelb|October 5, 2009|DAILY BEAST
On the night of April 30th a strong gale blew nearly all night, and the Pasha signalled to the Khedive to drop two anchors.
In Darkest Africa, Vol. 1; or, The quest, rescue and retreat of Emin, governor of Equatoria|Henry Morton Stanley
She signalled nervously to a cabman, and gave him the name of the hotel.
The Quaint Companions|Leonard Merrick

The Master, after we had signalled for a boat, asked me if I knew the captain.
The Works of Robert Louis Stevenson - Swanston Edition, Vol. XII (of 25)|Robert Louis Stevenson
It began to disappear behind the dark horizon within less than half an hour after the time that M'Nicholl had signalled it.
All Around the Moon|Jules Verne
The engine room was signalled for full steam, and the "Yankee" sped away in chase.
A Gunner Aboard the "Yankee"|Russell Doubleday

British Dictionary definitions for signalled

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 Formssignaller 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

Word Origin and History for signalled

signal

late 14c., "visible sign, indication," from Old French signal, seignal "seal, imprint, sign, mark," from Medieval Latin signale "a signal," from Late Latin signalis (adj.) "used as a signal, pertaining to a sign," from Latin signum "signal, sign" (see sign (n.)). Restricted sense "agreed-upon sign (to commence or desist, etc.) is from 1590s. Meaning "modulation of an electric current" is from 1855.

signal

adj.

"remarkable, striking, notable" ("serving as a sign"), 1640s, from French signalé, past participle of signaler "to distinguish, signal" (see signal (n.)).

signal

1805, "to make signals to," from signal (n.). Related: Signaled; signaling. Earlier verb was signalize (1650s).

Science definitions for signalled

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

noun

adjective

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

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

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Nearby words

Origin of signal

Examples from the Web for signalled

signal

noun

adjective

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

Word Origin for signal

signal

signal

signal

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