nonverbal

adjective

non·​ver·​bal ˌnän-ˈvər-bəl 

: not verbal: such as

a

: not involving or using words

Still, this pope projects eloquence in his off-the-cuff remarks or even during the long interludes between speeches when he is engaged in nonverbal communication with individuals and crowds.

—John S. Driscoll

… psychological aggression refers to both coercive verbal behaviors (e.g., insulting or swearing at partner) and coercive nonverbal behaviors that are not directed at the partner's body (e.g., slamming doors or smashing objects).

—Alan E. Kazdin et al.

b

: being other than verbal

… some hidden, nonverbal quality of her life that could only be alluded to in the act of painting.

—Diane Armitage

c

: lacking or appearing to lack the ability to engage in speech

She finds she can communicate with nonverbal children using drum beats, for example.

—Robert S. Greenberger

nonverbally

ˌnän-ˈvər-bə-lē 

adverb

Examples of nonverbal in a Sentence

Facial expressions are very important for nonverbal communication.

Recent Examples on the Web

As far as their pass rush, Lawrence and Allen bring it up the middle, so Brewer, Proctor and Savaiinaea will have to be on point with their pass protection and nonverbal communication. — David Furones, Sun Sentinel, 8 Oct. 2026

Police indicted that the child appeared nonverbal during the investigation. — Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 4 Oct. 2026

This can only be achieved through in-person meetings, as human communication is the interactive process of sharing meaning, ideas and feelings through verbal and nonverbal symbols. — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 24 Sep. 2026

Much of what matters in therapy happens in nonverbal communication. — Steven Barrie-Anthony, The Atlantic, 17 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1846, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for nonverbal

• preverbal
• gerbil
• herbal
• verbal

Kids Definition

nonverbal

adjective

non·​ver·​bal (ˈ)nän-ˈvər-bəl 

1

: being other than verbal

nonverbal symbols

2

: involving little use of language

nonverbal tests

nonverbally

-bə-lē 

adverb