signal

1 of 2

verb

signaled or signalled; signaling or signalling ˈsig-nə-liŋ 

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

signaler

2 of 2

noun

sig·​nal·​er

variants or signaller

-ə(r)

plural -s

1

: one that signals : a signaling device or mechanism

2

: signalman

Synonyms of signal

Verb

• motion
• wave
• gesture

Examples of signal in a Sentence

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.

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Female officers say the unprecedented intervention signals a political ceiling on their careers, deepening fears about retaliation, unequal opportunity and the message sent to younger sailors considering long-term service. —Konstantin Toropin, Los Angeles Times, 7 June 2026

Kashmir police denied the claim, saying armed men had fired overnight on officers after being signaled to stop their vehicle. —ABC News, 7 June 2026

Pediatricians often watch for signs that one illness might signal another. —Dr. Daniel Digiacomo, Boston Herald, 7 June 2026

Rainy weather driving tips Switch on headlights - Even during daylight hours, using headlights can enhance visibility and signal your presence to other drivers. —Star-Telegram Weather Bot, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

1800, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Noun

1872, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing signal

• distress signal
• distress signal/call
• hand signal
• signal-caller
• sound/signal the retreat
• traffic signal
• turn signal
• virtue-signal

Kids Definition

signal

1 of 3 noun

sig·​nal ˈsig-nᵊl 

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 

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