View synonyms for signal

signal

[ sig-nl ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

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
anything agreed upon or understood as the occasion for concerted action.
an act, event, or the like that causes or incites some action:
The unjust execution was the signal for revolt.
a token; indication.
Synonyms: sign
Electronics. an electrical quantity or effect, as current, voltage, or electromagnetic waves, that can be varied in such a way as to convey information.
Cards. a play that reveals to one's partner a wish that they continue or discontinue the suit led.

adjective

serving as a token or indication; used in communiating an intention, warning, or command:
a signal flag.
unusual; notable; outstanding:
a signal exploit.
Synonyms: striking, remarkable, exceptional, unique

verb (used with object)

signaled, signaling or (especially British) signalled, signalling.

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

verb (used without object)

signaled, signaling or (especially British) signalled, signalling.

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

signal

/ ˈsɪɡnəl /

noun

any sign, gesture, token, etc, that serves to communicate information
anything that acts as an incitement to action
the rise in prices was a signal for rebellion
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

distinguished or conspicuous
used to give or act as a signal

verb

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

signal

/ sĭg′nəl /

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.

Discover More

Derived Forms

ˈsignaller, noun

Discover More

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

Discover More

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

Discover More

Word History and Origins

Origin of signal¹

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

Discover More

Example Sentences

Last month, the UK government signalled that it was seeking an exemption to the tariffs and added that it would not retaliate immediately.

From BBC

"But what the president and his cabinet are signalling is actually a bigger deal. It's a restructuring of the American economy," he said.

From BBC

I often forget to use a turn signal now, but at least I know my daughter’s favorite foods.

From Los Angeles Times

After trying again for a couple of hours before it got dark one evening in November 2019, his metal detector picked up a faint signal.

From BBC

A cooler full of beer below a cheese table signals where I am: the show of an early-career painter.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

signage signal board

Browse