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, this can include speech-sound disorders and developmental language disorders, in addition to children who are nonverbal or have hearing impairments. —Lina Ruiz, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 Mar. 2026

Sweeney read a letter from Jenn Shulman, whose 12-year-old son, Trent, is nonverbal and blind and faces other medical complications. —Lance Reynolds, Boston Herald, 25 Mar. 2026

Jenny Dim, a nonverbal 9-year-old, was found dead in a Florence pond minutes from her home on March 14. —Victoria Moorwood, Cincinnati Enquirer, 25 Mar. 2026

Five-year-old Gael, who is nonverbal, was detained with his parents in El Paso amid an assessment for autism. —Armando Tinoco, Deadline, 23 Mar. 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