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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
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The badge covers topics such as semaphore, American Sign Language, Morse code and the use of nautical flags.
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The badge covers topics such as semaphore, American Sign Language, Morse code and the use of nautical flags.
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By contrast, Trisha Brown’s dancers were taught by her to walk down walls, twirl down poles, semaphore to one another across rooftops, and, quite often, fling their limbs around like bags of wet laundry.
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
semaphore
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
playDefinition of semaphore for English Language Learners
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: a system used for sending signals by using two flags that are held in your hands
SEMAPHORE Defined for Kids
semaphore
playDefinition 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
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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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