semaphore

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noun sem·a·phore \ ˈse-mə-ˌfȯr \

Definition of semaphore

1 :an apparatus for visual signaling (as by the position of one or more movable arms)

2 :a system of visual signaling by two flags held one in each hand

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Recent Examples of semaphore from the Web

Hesitation when that spatula is pointed at you could foul up precision operation that hinges on quick ordering and what appears to be a semaphore system of toothpicks that denote exactly what the diner has ordered.

— andy staples, SI.com, "Where to eat, drink near Phoenix," 30 June 2017
The badge covers topics such as semaphore, American Sign Language, Morse code and the use of nautical flags.

— christopher mele, The Seattle Times, "One Boy Scout has enough merit badges for a whole troop," 23 June 2017
The badge covers topics such as semaphore, American Sign Language, Morse code and the use of nautical flags.

— christopher mele, The Seattle Times, "One Boy Scout has enough merit badges for a whole troop," 23 June 2017
The badge covers topics such as semaphore, American Sign Language, Morse code and the use of nautical flags.

— christopher mele, The Seattle Times, "One Boy Scout has enough merit badges for a whole troop," 23 June 2017
The badge covers topics such as semaphore, American Sign Language, Morse code and the use of nautical flags.

— christopher mele, The Seattle Times, "One Boy Scout has enough merit badges for a whole troop," 23 June 2017
The badge covers topics such as semaphore, American Sign Language, Morse code and the use of nautical flags.

— christopher mele, The Seattle Times, "One Boy Scout has enough merit badges for a whole troop," 23 June 2017
The badge covers topics such as semaphore, American Sign Language, Morse code and the use of nautical flags.

— christopher mele, New York Times, "This Boy Scout Has Enough Merit Badges for a Whole Troop," 20 June 2017
The disks seem to spin into different positions every few seconds, spelling out a message in semaphore, a communication method that relies on visual signals similar to flags or hand signals. Reading this on your iPhone or iPad?

— sal pizarro, The Mercury News, "Adobe semaphore code cracked by Tennessee high school teacher," 13 Mar. 2017

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

Illustration of semaphore

Origin and Etymology of semaphore

Greek sēma sign, signal + International Scientific Vocabulary -phore

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1815

See Words from the same year

semaphore

verb

Definition of semaphore

semaphored; semaphoring

transitive verb

:to convey (information) by or as if by semaphore

intransitive verb

:to send signals by or as if by semaphore

First Known Use of semaphore

1838

SEMAPHORE Defined for English Language Learners

semaphore

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noun

Definition of semaphore for English Language Learners

: a system used for sending signals by using two flags that are held in your hands

SEMAPHORE Defined for Kids

semaphore

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noun sem·a·phore \ ˈse-mə-ˌfȯr \

Definition of semaphore for Students

1 :a device for sending signals that can be seen by the receiver

2 :a system of sending signals with two flags held one in each hand

Learn More about semaphore

See words that rhyme with semaphore Spanish Central: Translation of semaphore Nglish: Translation of semaphore for Spanish speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about semaphore

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semaphore

Definition of semaphore

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Illustration of semaphore

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semaphore

Definition of semaphore

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SEMAPHORE Defined for English Language Learners

semaphore

Definition of semaphore for English Language Learners

SEMAPHORE Defined for Kids

semaphore

Definition of semaphore for Students

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Origin and Etymology of semaphore

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Definition of semaphore

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SEMAPHORE Defined for English Language Learners

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Definition of semaphore for English Language Learners

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