nonverbal

play

adjective non·ver·bal \ ˌnän-ˈvər-bəl \

Definition of nonverbal

:not verbal: such as

a :being other than verbal

nonverbal factors

b :involving minimal use of language

nonverbal tests

c :ranking low in verbal skill

a nonverbal child

—

nonverbally

play \ˌnän-ˈvər-bə-lē\ adverb

See nonverbal defined for English-language learners

See nonverbal defined for kids

Examples of nonverbal in a Sentence

Facial expressions are very important for nonverbal communication.

Recent Examples of nonverbal from the Web

If my going up on stage for a minute sends a nonverbal message, that would be fine.

— rebecca keegan, HWD, "New Academy President John Bailey on Diversity, Museum Plans, and the Oscars Telecast," 15 Aug. 2017
Sam not understanding any of his date's nonverbal cues, for instance.

— mickey rowe, Teen Vogue, "Netflix's "Atypical" Was a Major Disappointment for Autism Representation," 8 Aug. 2017
Fech gets $10 an hour to care for Tyler, his 19-year-old son who has autism, Down syndrome and is nonverbal.

— lillian price, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Wisconsin faces critical shortage of care workers for disabled and elderly," 21 July 2017
Sam, one of the autistic brothers, suffers from Asperger Syndrome, a developmental disorder that affects social and nonverbal communication.

— roy s. johnson, AL.com, "Thrift market training autistic adolescents for workplace faces closure," 6 July 2017
The children were assessed at the age of 12 on their nonverbal intelligence, restrictive and repetitive behaviors, and social aloofness.

— daniella emanuel, CNN, "Older dads have geeky sons, study says," 26 June 2017
Most communication is, at heart, nonverbal; Patton is working at excavating the emotional subtext behind his writing — a daily account of his caring for his aging father.

— gary faigin, The Seattle Times, "Review: Diverse notions of drawing at the Whatcom Museum," 26 June 2017
Identifying his strengths was a challenge, partly because Himal did not speak, instead relying on nonverbal communication and sign language.

— jim barnes, Washington Post, "Art by 15-year-old with autism inspired a new Loudoun-based business," 19 June 2017
At least in our culture, affection is commonly communicated through verbal expressions and also through nonverbal gestures such as hugging.

— kory floyd, Scientific American, "Why Fathers Downplay Feelings," 18 June 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'nonverbal.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of nonverbal

1846

NONVERBAL Defined for English Language Learners

nonverbal

play

adjective

Definition of nonverbal for English Language Learners

: not involving or using words
: not able to speak

Learn More about nonverbal

See words that rhyme with nonverbal Nglish: Translation of nonverbal for Spanish speakers

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up nonverbal? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show

nonverbal

Definition of nonverbal

nonverbally

Examples of nonverbal in a Sentence

Recent Examples of nonverbal from the Web

First Known Use of nonverbal

NONVERBAL Defined for English Language Learners

nonverbal

Definition of nonverbal for English Language Learners

Learn More about nonverbal

Seen and Heard

WORD OF THE DAY

shofar

BROWSE DICTIONARY

Test Your Vocabulary

Words at Play

8 Words and Phrases from Boxing and Wrestling

The Ambiguity of Pushing 'Up' and 'Back'

Silent Letters

'So Long': A Common But Mysterious Goodbye

Ask the Editors

Words of the Year: 1066

How Often Is 'Biweekly'?

Irregardless

Weird Plurals

Word Games

Merriam-Webster's New Words Quiz—Fall 2017 Edition!

Challenging Vocabulary Quiz Returns!

Spell It

SCRABBLE® Sprint

These Are Fighting Words

Merriam-Webster's New Words Quiz—Fall 2017 Edition!

The Ambiguity of Pushing 'Up' and 'Back'

Trending: Ivanka: "An 'Otherwise' Incredible Day"

Words of the Year: 1066

nonverbal

Definition of nonverbal

nonverbally

People Are Reading

Examples of nonverbal in a Sentence

Recent Examples of nonverbal from the Web

First Known Use of nonverbal

NONVERBAL Defined for English Language Learners

nonverbal

Definition of nonverbal for English Language Learners

Learn More about nonverbal

Seen and Heard

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games

These Are Fighting Words

Merriam-Webster's New Words Quiz—Fall 2017 Edition!

The Ambiguity of Pushing 'Up' and 'Back'

Trending: Ivanka: "An 'Otherwise' Incredible Day"

Words of the Year: 1066