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 United States 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

called also Ameslan

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

The feeling of love and admiration is mutual: During her commencement speech, which was delivered in American Sign Language and translated to English, Marlee gave a shout-out to her 2023 graduate. —Kayla Keegan, Peoplemag, 9 July 2024

Much of the first two installments of A Quiet Place’s dialogue are spoken through American Sign Language (ASL). —Rendy Jones, EW.com, 9 July 2024

The center regularly hosts health screenings, a special needs fair during the holiday of Eid al-Adha, and American Sign Language interpretation during Friday services. —Allie Jacobs, Detroit Free Press, 7 July 2024

Cordova and his team are interpreting the music and lyrics into American Sign Language, or ASL, allowing Deaf concertgoers to experience rocking out along with their hearing peers. —Luis Melecio-Zambrano, The Mercury News, 21 June 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1893, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

American Sign Language

noun

: a sign language for the deaf