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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In a moment now going viral, Badu gave love to the festival’s American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter, Cheyenne Atkins, who was positioned just to the side of the safe with her image projected on screens to the crowd. Kathleen Newman-Bremang, refinery29.com, 7 July 2025 Yes, a Black American Sign Language version will be released with the original version on the release date. Taylor Ardrey, USA Today, 4 July 2025 The National Association of the Deaf (NAD) is suing to require the Trump administration to provide American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters at all White House press briefings. Jade Walker, CNN Money, 3 July 2025 And in a step toward accessibility, at-home viewers have the option to watch a version with Black American Sign Language. Los Angeles Times Staff, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for American Sign Language

Word History

First Known Use

1900, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of American Sign Language was in 1900

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“American Sign Language.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/American%20Sign%20Language. Accessed 17 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

American Sign Language

noun
: a sign language for the deaf

More from Merriam-Webster on American Sign Language

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!