signal
Americannoun
-
anything that serves to indicate, warn, direct, command, or the like, such as a light, a gesture, an act, etc.: a signal to leave.
a traffic signal;
a signal to leave.
- Synonyms:
- sign
-
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.
- Synonyms:
- sign
-
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.
adjective
-
serving as a token or indication; used in communiating an intention, warning, or command.
a signal flag.
-
unusual; notable; outstanding.
a signal exploit.
- Synonyms:
- striking, remarkable, exceptional, unique
verb (used with object)
-
to make a token or indication to.
-
to communicate or make known by a token or indication.
verb (used without object)
noun
-
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
-
adjective
-
distinguished or conspicuous
-
used to give or act as a signal
verb
Other Word Forms
- presignal noun
- resignal verb
- signaler noun
- signaller noun
- unsignaled adjective
- unsignalled adjective
Etymology
Origin of signal
First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English noun from Old French seignal, signal, from Medieval Latin signāle, Late Latin, noun use of neuter of signālis “of a sign”; sign, -al 2, -al 1
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The prosecution argued that Thomas P was "the responsible guide for the tour", failed to call for help in time, and didn't send any distress signals when a police helicopter flew overhead.
From BBC
Faint signals of resistance can be detected from unlikely quarters.
From Salon
But while the massive US military build-up in the Middle East had made military action look all but certain, the 79-year-old Republican repeatedly gave conflicting signals.
From Barron's
The more sophisticated look signals she is a figure to be respected despite her age.
The approach relies on a strategy called chemogenetics, which allows researchers to control cells using specific chemical signals.
From Science Daily
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
