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
Police said Osborn has no teeth, and is deaf and communicates through American Sign Language.
—
Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 Aug. 2025
The couple immediately began training Zephyr using visual cues, including American Sign Language, facial expressions and body language.
—Maria Morava, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Aug. 2025
Using American Sign Language with dogs Still, experts say there is hope.
—Lila Hempel-Edgers, Charlotte Observer, 23 June 2025
Over the last decade, Poynter has built a platform focused on advocacy, accessibility, and connection—especially for deaf people who, like her, grew up without access to American Sign Language or proper support.
—Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for American Sign Language
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Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 Aug. 2025
The couple immediately began training Zephyr using visual cues, including American Sign Language, facial expressions and body language.
—Maria Morava, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Aug. 2025
Using American Sign Language with dogs Still, experts say there is hope.
—Lila Hempel-Edgers, Charlotte Observer, 23 June 2025
Over the last decade, Poynter has built a platform focused on advocacy, accessibility, and connection—especially for deaf people who, like her, grew up without access to American Sign Language or proper support.
—Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 July 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 21 Aug. 2025.
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