American Sign Language
noun
: a sign language that is used especially for communication by and with deaf people and is the formal sign language of the U.S. and English-speaking Canada and also serves as the basis for various sign languages in other countries (such as Thailand, Nigeria, and Bolivia)
—abbreviation ASL
Note: American Sign Language was developed in Hartford, Connecticut in the early 1800s.
Examples of American Sign Language in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Spanish and American Sign Language interpreters will be provided.
—
Judy L. Thomas, Kansas City Star, 3 Dec. 2025
Fred Beam and Julian Ortiz will serve as American Sign Language interpreters.
—Kaycee Sloan, Cincinnati Enquirer, 1 Dec. 2025
The Super Bowl pregame entertainment will spotlight powerful American Sign Language (ASL) performances.
—Jem Aswad, Variety, 1 Dec. 2025
Before visiting, guests can download the KSC SmartGuide app, which also features video content with American Sign Language (ASL) translations.
—Mariette Williams, USA Today, 10 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for American Sign Language
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Judy L. Thomas, Kansas City Star, 3 Dec. 2025
Fred Beam and Julian Ortiz will serve as American Sign Language interpreters.
—Kaycee Sloan, Cincinnati Enquirer, 1 Dec. 2025
The Super Bowl pregame entertainment will spotlight powerful American Sign Language (ASL) performances.
—Jem Aswad, Variety, 1 Dec. 2025
Before visiting, guests can download the KSC SmartGuide app, which also features video content with American Sign Language (ASL) translations.
—Mariette Williams, USA Today, 10 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for American Sign Language
Cite this Entry
“American Sign Language.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/American%20Sign%20Language. Accessed 6 Dec. 2025.
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