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

The boy, who is nonverbal, disappeared from Dera Restaurant in Jackson Heights around 11:45 a.m., police said. —Roni Jacobson, New York Daily News, 19 Apr. 2025

Challenges in Nonverbal Communication Autism can cause challenges with nonverbal communication, such as eye contact, facial expressions, and gestures. —Heidi Moawad, Md, Verywell Health, 18 Apr. 2025

Victor Perez had autism and cerebral palsy and was nonverbal, though there is no indication that the responding officers were aware of that. —CBS News, 18 Apr. 2025

Understanding when and how to lean into nonverbal communication is key to becoming a more intentional and effective communicator. —Cheryl Robinson, Forbes.com, 17 Apr. 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