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

Autism spectrum disorder is a range of conditions (hence the spectrum) that show up as difficulties with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech, and nonverbal communication. —Essence, 17 Apr. 2024

At one point, Aspen became nonverbal, but not before asking a question, the lawsuit said. —Jennifer Rodriguez, Kansas City Star, 16 Apr. 2024

The first accusation came from the parents of a 10-year-old, nonverbal autistic boy who can be seen on a video being punched, hit and stomped on by a suspect identified as former bus aide Kiarra Jones. —Pilar Arias, Fox News, 10 Apr. 2024

Powerful women leaders embrace the verbal and nonverbal communication behaviors that impact the way others perceive them. —Carol Kinsey Goman, Ph.d., Forbes, 29 Mar. 2024

The nonverbal teen was last seen at 4 a.m. Feb. 27 in his hometown of Tucson, Arizona, according to a Facebook post by New Mexico State Police. —Paloma Chavez, Sacramento Bee, 29 Feb. 2024

Maintain eye contact, nod affirmatively, and use nonverbal cues to show attentiveness. —Johnny C. Taylor Jr., USA TODAY, 5 Mar. 2024

According to the complaint, Brown, who had lived with Platt for a half-dozen years until 2020 and had known him for about 14 years overall, returned almost daily to the New Berlin home on Glen Park Court, where Platt helped care for an adult relative of Brown's who is nonverbal and autistic. —Jim Riccioli, Journal Sentinel, 28 Feb. 2024

For my daughter Cal, who was paralyzed, feeding tube dependent, and nonverbal, the therapy dogs and the music therapists brought her the most comfort. —Maria Kefalas, STAT, 22 Dec. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1846, in the meaning defined above

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