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

For example, when someone on your team is presenting to you, crossing your arms over your chest will have the nonverbal effect of shutting them down. —Anne Sugar, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025

Max gave the perfect speech for his sister and future brother-in-law Chris’ big day, made even more impressive by the fact that as a child, Max was nonverbal. —Rachel McRady, People.com, 3 July 2025

In July 2023, the plaintiff, who is nonverbal and has been intellectually delayed since birth, according to the suit, was residing at University Health for inpatient epilepsy management. —Maddie Carr july 3, Kansas City Star, 3 July 2025

Despite being lumped together, many people with autism spectrum disorder who are nonverbal or mostly nonverbal are capable of productive activities, which Gross notes can include writing poetry. —Joseph Choi, The Hill, 2 June 2025

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