signal
anything that serves to indicate, warn, direct, command, or the like, such 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 they continue or discontinue the suit led.
serving as a token or indication; used in communiating an intention, warning, or command: a signal flag.
unusual; notable; outstanding: a signal exploit.
to make a token or indication to.
to communicate or make known by a token or indication.
to make communication by something that serves to indicate, warn, direct, command, or the like.
Origin of signal
1Other words for signal
Other words from signal
- sig·nal·er; especially British sig·nal·ler, noun
- pre·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. 2024
How to use signal in a sentence
To supply the demand for galvanised signalling and fencing cords, the machines must turn out 15,000 yards of strand per day.
Showell's Dictionary of Birmingham | Thomas T. Harman and Walter ShowellNow this method, though introducing a certain improvement in the system of fire signalling,The drawbacks to this method.
The Histories of Polybius, Vol. II (of 2) | PolybiusThey must then agree that the party signalling shall first raise two torches, and wait until the other raises two also.
The Histories of Polybius, Vol. II (of 2) | PolybiusThe Active is coming in slowly, and has been signalling us all the morning.
The Two Admirals | J. Fenimore CooperAll literature becomes a field of easy assignations; there is a constant signalling, an endless recognition.
Ceres' Runaway | Alice Meynell
British Dictionary definitions for signal
/ (ˈsɪɡnəl) /
any sign, gesture, token, etc, that serves to communicate information
anything that acts as an incitement to action: the 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
distinguished or conspicuous
used to give or act as a signal
to communicate (a message, etc) to (a person)
Origin of signal
1Derived forms of signal
- signaller or US signaler, noun
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
[ 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.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
Browse