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
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
After completing the counseling course this past spring, students will take online summer classes in either geography, Spanish or American Sign Language, followed by an in-person History of Cinema course in the fall.
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Jenelyn Russo, Oc Register, 19 June 2025
Two years ago, the Federal Communications Commission unanimously voted to require that wireless emergency alerts reach people in 13 languages and American Sign Language.
—Nate Perez, NPR, 16 June 2025
The classes included American Sign Language, English, history, psychology and geography.
—Julie Gallant, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 June 2025
The question is valid, given that the former Gallaudet student organizers, now nearing retirement age, address the camera by using American Sign Language.
—John Hendrickson, The Atlantic, 23 May 2025
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Jenelyn Russo, Oc Register, 19 June 2025
Two years ago, the Federal Communications Commission unanimously voted to require that wireless emergency alerts reach people in 13 languages and American Sign Language.
—Nate Perez, NPR, 16 June 2025
The classes included American Sign Language, English, history, psychology and geography.
—Julie Gallant, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 June 2025
The question is valid, given that the former Gallaudet student organizers, now nearing retirement age, address the camera by using American Sign Language.
—John Hendrickson, The Atlantic, 23 May 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 26 Jun. 2025.
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