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

Additionally, House Speaker Mike Johnson signaled over the weekend that appropriations decisions might be deferred to early 2025.

From Salon

Located on a cell's surface, this protein-based sensor recognizes an external signal that triggers the cell to respond -- usually by turning on a user-defined gene.

From Science Daily

"The government must hold its nerve and use the meeting to signal support for a policy that is evidently working," she said.

From BBC

Opponents and economists said that by striking down the proposed minimum-wage increase, voters signaled that they were nervous about businesses raising prices to offset their added labor expenses.

From Los Angeles Times

Still, it is intended to signal that City Hall is standing with its large immigrant population in a deep blue city already well-known for resisting Trump.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• conspicuous
• momentous
• noteworthy
• noticeable
• salient