signal

[ sig-nl ]

noun

1. anything that serves to indicate, warn, direct, command, or the like, such as a light, a gesture, an act, etc.: a signal to leave.

   a traffic signal;

   a signal to leave.

   Synonyms: sign

2. anything agreed upon or understood as the occasion for concerted action.
3. an act, event, or the like that causes or incites some action:

   The unjust execution was the signal for revolt.

4. a token; indication.

   Synonyms: sign

5. Electronics. an electrical quantity or effect, as current, voltage, or electromagnetic waves, that can be varied in such a way as to convey information.
6. Cards. a play that reveals to one's partner a wish that they continue or discontinue the suit led.

adjective

1. serving as a token or indication; used in communiating an intention, warning, or command:

   a signal flag.

2. unusual; notable; outstanding:

   a signal exploit.

   Synonyms: striking, remarkable, exceptional, unique

verb (used with object)

, sig·naled, sig·nal·ing or (especially British) sig·nalled, sig·nal·ling.

1. to make a token or indication to.
2. to communicate or make known by a token or indication.

verb (used without object)

, sig·naled, sig·nal·ing or (especially British) sig·nalled, sig·nal·ling.

1. to make communication by something that serves to indicate, warn, direct, command, or the like.

signal

/ ˈsɪɡnəl /

noun

1. any sign, gesture, token, etc, that serves to communicate information
2. anything that acts as an incitement to action

   the rise in prices was a signal for rebellion

3. 1. a variable parameter, such as a current or electromagnetic wave, by which information is conveyed through an electronic circuit, communications system, etc
   2. the information so conveyed
   3. ( as modifier )

      signal strength

      a signal generator

adjective

1. distinguished or conspicuous
2. used to give or act as a signal

verb

1. to communicate (a message, etc) to (a person)

signal

/ sĭg′nəl /

1. A fluctuating quantity or impulse whose variations represent information. The amplitude or frequency of voltage, current, electric field strength, light, and sound can be varied as signals representing information.

Derived Forms

• ˈsignaller, noun

Other Words From

• sig·nal·er especially British sig·nal·ler noun
• pre·sig·nal noun verb (used with object) presignaled presignaling or (especially British) presignalled presignaling
• re·sig·nal verb resignaled resignaling or (especially British) resignalled resignalling
• un·sig·naled adjective
• un·sig·nalled adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of signal¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English noun from Old French seignal, signal, from Medieval Latin signāle, Late Latin, noun use of neuter of signālis “of a sign”; sign, -al ², -al ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of signal¹

C16: from Old French seignal, from Medieval Latin signāle, from Latin signum sign

Example Sentences

The band turned back around, raising a lively tune to signal life would go on.

From The Daily Beast

Not even Radio Bemba (Cuban slang for the rumor mill) had picked up the signal.

From The Daily Beast

Regardless of how the showdown ends, it does serve a very clear signal of what the political climate will be in the next Congress.

From The Daily Beast

So while the poor sound quality was aggravating, it was also a signal of some weird legitimacy.

From The Daily Beast

And more importantly, an Orman victory could signal a broader assault against the duopoly that controls congress.

From The Daily Beast

But, when the car came thundering down, it was crammed to the step; with a melancholy gesture, the driver declined her signal.

From Project Gutenberg

Distances were to him as nothing; and difficulties only stimulated him to give his adversaries a more signal overthrow.

From Project Gutenberg

A still more signal triumph to American ingenuity was accorded on Thursday.

From Project Gutenberg

He knew that not only was it a signal for the closing of the city gates, but it was also a warning that bedtime was at hand.

From Project Gutenberg

General Pio del Pilar slept in the city every night, ready to give the rocket-signal for revolt.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• conspicuous
• momentous
• noteworthy
• noticeable
• salient