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.

SYNONYMS FOR signal

1, 4 sign.

8 unique, exceptional, remarkable, striking.

See synonyms for signal on Thesaurus.com

QUIZZES

THINK YOU’VE GOT A HANDLE ON THIS US STATE NICKNAME QUIZ?

Did you ever collect all those state quarters? Put them to good use on this quiz about curious state monikers and the facts around them.

Question 1 of 8

Mississippi’s nickname comes from the magnificent trees that grow there. What is it?

The Sunflower State

The Evergreen State

The Magnolia State

The Mockingbird State

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

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. 2021

Example sentences from the Web for signal

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
Stainless signalled higher BTUs coming out of the burners, bigger ovens, and so forth.
Beyond Stainless|Megan McArdle|October 19, 2012|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
With his hat he signalled his brother to steer for the General Price, and on the two rams rushed, the Queen slightly ahead.
The Courier of the Ozarks|Byron A. Dunn

In the evening hung about waiting for de Robeck who had signalled over to say he wanted to talk business.
Gallipoli Diary, Volume I|Ian Hamilton
It was afterwards ascertained that a mistake had been made in reference to the vessel that had signalled.
The Floating Light of the Goodwin Sands|R.M. Ballantyne
He signalled the porter, who opened one of the big glass doors and signified that the countess could depart.
The Weight of the Crown|Fred M. White
He called to her, he rallied her; he signalled to Thyrsis to help him—to inspire her, to goad her to new endurance.
Love's Pilgrimage|Upton Sinclair

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.

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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.

SYNONYMS FOR signal

QUIZZES

THINK YOU’VE GOT A HANDLE ON THIS US STATE NICKNAME QUIZ?

Origin of signal

OTHER WORDS FROM signal

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH signal

Example sentences from the Web for signal

British Dictionary definitions for signal

noun

adjective

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

Derived forms of signal

Word Origin for signal

Scientific definitions for signal

MEANINGS

WORD GAMES

LEARN

WRITING

WORD OF THE DAY

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.

SYNONYMS FOR signal

QUIZZES

THINK YOU’VE GOT A HANDLE ON THIS US STATE NICKNAME QUIZ?

Origin of signal

OTHER WORDS FROM signal

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH signal

Words related to signal

Example sentences from the Web for signal

British Dictionary definitions for signal

noun

adjective

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

Derived forms of signal

Word Origin for signal

Scientific definitions for signal