signal

1 of 3

noun

sig·​nal ˈsig-nᵊl How to pronounce signal (audio)
1
2
a
: an act, event, or watchword that has been agreed on as the occasion of concerted action
b
: something that incites to action
3
: something (such as a sound, gesture, or object) that conveys notice or warning
4
a
: an object used to transmit or convey information beyond the range of human voice
b
: the sound or image conveyed in telegraphy, telephony, radio, radar, or television
c
: a detectable physical quantity or impulse (such as a voltage, current, or magnetic field strength) by which messages or information can be transmitted

signal

2 of 3

verb

signaled or signalled; signaling or signalling ˈsig-nə-liŋ How to pronounce signal (audio)

transitive verb

1
: to notify by a signal
signal the fleet to turn back
2
a
: to communicate or indicate by or as if by signals
signaled the end of an era
b
: to constitute a characteristic feature of (a meaningful linguistic form)

intransitive verb

: to make or send a signal
signaler noun
or signaller

signal

3 of 3

adjective

: distinguished from the ordinary : notable
a signal achievement

Examples of signal in a Sentence

Noun He likes her but he is sending the wrong signals with his constant teasing. The teacher gave us the signal to finish what we were working on and hand in our tests. Faulty wiring in the train station caused a signal to malfunction. Verb Robins signal the arrival of spring. The election results surely signal the start of a new era. A lock on the suitcase might signal that there's something of value inside. Did he signal before he made the left turn? They signaled at me to come over to their table. He signaled us that it was time to begin the meeting. The umpire signaled a strike. Adjective Is he worthy of such a signal honor? the Louisiana Purchase is cited by many historians as one of the most signal events in American history
Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Noun
The Netgear Orbi 770 Series Tri-Band Wi-Fi 7 Mesh System offers affordable Wi-Fi 7 connectivity, covering up to 8,000 square feet with impressive speeds and a reliable signal. Shubham Yewale, PCMAG, 6 Nov. 2024 More:Wisconsin's purple state tradition doesn't match demographics The state’s voting history in the Trump Era is another potential signal. Craig Gilbert, Journal Sentinel, 5 Nov. 2024
Verb
Posture: Standing or sitting tall conveys confidence, while slouching can signal low energy or disinterest. Cheryl Robinson, Forbes, 31 Oct. 2024 In the teaser, Joan, 61, signals tragedy with full Edgar Allen Poe attire — that black Lamarque feather jacket and the matching Loewe long dress. Bryan Alexander, USA TODAY, 31 Oct. 2024
Adjective
Leaders who use gentle gestures, smile often and lean slightly forward signal openness. Cheryl Robinson, Forbes, 31 Oct. 2024 An algorithm works with the new sensors to adapt and find the best signal path, which is up from eight pathways to 18 in the new ring. Adrienne So, WIRED, 3 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for signal 

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, from Medieval Latin signale, from Late Latin, neuter of signalis of a sign, from Latin signum

Adjective

modification of French signalé, past participle of signaler to distinguish, from Old Italian segnalare to signal, distinguish, from segnale signal, from Medieval Latin signale

First Known Use

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1800, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Adjective

1591, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of signal was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near signal

Cite this Entry

“Signal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/signal. Accessed 14 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

signal

1 of 3 noun
sig·​nal ˈsig-nᵊl How to pronounce signal (audio)
1
: an act, event, or word that serves to start some action
2
: a sound or motion of a part of the body made to give warning or command
3
: an object placed to give notice or warning
a traffic signal
4
a
: the message, sound, or effect transmitted in electronic communication (as radio or television)
b
: a radio wave or electric current that transmits a message or effect (as in radio or television)

signal

2 of 3 verb
signaled or signalled; signaling or signalling -nə-liŋ How to pronounce signal (audio)
1
: to notify by a signal
2
: to communicate by or as if by signals
signaler noun

signal

3 of 3 adjective
1
: unusually great
a signal honor
a signal achievement
2
: used in signaling
a signal light
signally
-nə-lē
adverb
Etymology

Noun

Middle English signal "signal, sign," derived from Latin signalis "of a sign," from earlier signum "mark, sign, image" — related to sign

More from Merriam-Webster on signal

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!