First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1signal
noun sig·nal \ˈsig-nəl\
: an event or act which shows that something exists or that gives information about something
: something (such as a sound, a movement of part of the body, or an object) that gives information about something or that tells someone to do something
: a piece of equipment with colored lights that is used on railways and roads to tell people when to go, to slow down, or to stop
Full Definition of SIGNAL
1
: sign, indication
2
a : an act, event, or watchword that has been agreed on as the occasion of concerted action b : something that incites to action
3
: something (as a sound, gesture, or object) that conveys notice or warning
4
a : an object used to transmit or convey information beyond the range of human voice b : the sound or image conveyed in telegraphy, telephony, radio, radar, or television c : a detectable physical quantity or impulse (as a voltage, current, or magnetic field strength) by which messages or information can be transmitted
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Origin of SIGNAL
Middle English, from Medieval Latin signale, from Late Latin, neuter of signalis of a sign, from Latin signum
2signal
verb
: to be a sign of (something) : to show the existence of (something)
: to make a sound or motion that tells someone something
sig·naled or sig·nalledsig·nal·ing or sig·nal·ling \-nə-liŋ\
Full Definition of SIGNAL
transitive verb
1
: to notify by a signal <signal the fleet to turn back>
2
a : to communicate or indicate by or as if by signals <signaled the end of an era> b : to constitute a characteristic feature of (a meaningful linguistic form)
intransitive verb
: to make or send a signal
— sig·nal·er or sig·nal·ler noun
See signal defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of SIGNAL
1805
3signal
adjective
: very important or great
Full Definition of SIGNAL
: distinguished from the ordinary : notable <a signal achievement>
See signal defined for English-language learners
Origin of SIGNAL
modification of French signalé, past participle of signaler to distinguish, from Old Italian segnalare to signal, distinguish, from segnale signal, from Medieval Latin signale
First Known Use: 1627
Related to SIGNAL
- Synonyms
- astral, bright, distinguished, illustrious, luminous, noble, notable, noteworthy, outstanding, preeminent, prestigious, redoubtable, eminent, star, superior
SIGNALER Defined for Kids
1signal
noun sig·nal \ˈsig-nəl\
Definition of SIGNAL for Kids
1
: a sign, event, or word that serves to start some action <… the manager gave the signal for the curtain to go down, and the audience … cheered. — Richard and Florence Atwater, Mr. Popper's Penguins>
2
: a sound, a movement of part of the body, or an object that gives warning or a command <The police officer made a signal with his hand.> <a traffic signal>
3
: a radio wave that transmits a message or effect (as in radio or television)
Word Root of SIGNAL
The Latin word signum, meaning “mark” or “indication,” gives us the root sign. Words from the Latin signum have something to do with marks, signs, or indications. A sign is a move of the hand that indicates something to others. To designate is to mark someone or something for a special purpose. A signal is an indication that an action should begin.
2signal
verb
sig·naled or sig·nalledsig·nal·ing or sig·nal·ling
Definition of SIGNAL for Kids
1
: to notify by a motion, action, movement, or sound
2
: to communicate with motions, actions, movements, or sounds
3signal
adjective
Definition of SIGNAL for Kids
1
: unusually great <a signal honor>
2
: used for sending a message, warning, or command <a signal light>
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