signalman

[ sig-nl-muhn ]

noun

, plural sig·nal·men.

1. a person whose occupation or duty is signaling, as on a railroad or in the army.

signalman

/ ˈsɪɡnəlmən /

noun

1. a railway employee in charge of the signals and points within a section
2. a man who sends and receives signals, esp in the navy

Other Words From

• under·signal·man noun plural undersignalmen

Word History and Origins

Origin of signalman¹

First recorded in 1730–40; signal + -man

Example Sentences

The signalman touched his hat, and the little row of flags ran fluttering up in the breeze.

From Project Gutenberg

Note, however, that if the signalman had belonged to another company it would have been quite otherwise.

From Project Gutenberg

After that he gave the whistle to let Smithy know the signalman was fixed, and that he had better go back to the beach to wait.

From Project Gutenberg

Dave Darrin was now in the bow, with the signalman at his side, who would turn on the searchlight when so ordered.

From Project Gutenberg

Incidentally my signalman substituted the word "darned" for "damned" and, when corrected, spelt the word "dammed" as a compromise.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• caretaker
• custodian
• patrolman
• policeman
• warden