American Sign Language

noun

1. a visual-gesture language, having its own semantic and syntactic structure, used by deaf people in the U.S. and English-speaking parts of Canada. : ASL

American sign language

noun

1. See Ameslan

Word History and Origins

Origin of American Sign Language¹

First recorded in 1960–65

Example Sentences

Audiences of an upcoming Los Angeles revival of the Green Day musical — performed simultaneously in spoken English and American Sign Language — will see Otis Jones IV planted on a sofa, his hands signing with a palpable frustration, and James Olivas running in circles, belting out the ballad with an audible angst.

From Los Angeles Times

Such ASL covers will play around the Taper at the top of this “American Idiot” production, which is intended to be fully accessible to Deaf and hard-of-hearing audiences through projected subtitles, performed American Sign Language and boosted bass for feeling the music’s vibrations.

From Los Angeles Times

In her complaint, Esquivel, an American Sign Language instructional aide who works with deaf students, said the issue began in June 2023, when another aide moved Esquivel’s water bottle with Donald Trump and Ronald Reagan stickers, saying she “didn’t want Trump looking” at her.

From Los Angeles Times

Interpreting the annual pre-Stanley Cup Final state of the NHL address into American Sign Language for the first time in 2022, the worry gnawed at Brice Christianson that it was a one-time thing, his only chance to open the door to hockey for the Deaf community.

From Seattle Times

“For us to be able to have this real-time coverage of play by play and color commentary in American Sign Language being called directly as opposed to a re-interpretation is really what the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community want,” said Kim Davis, the NHL’s senior executive VP of social impact, growth initiatives and legislative affairs.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• Ameslan
• ASL