1 signal | Definition of signal

signal

noun
sig·​nal | \ ˈsig-nᵊl How to pronounce signal (audio) \

Definition of signal

 (Entry 1 of 3)

2a : an act, event, or watchword that has been agreed on as the occasion of concerted action
b : something that incites to action
3 : something (such as a sound, gesture, or object) that conveys notice or warning
4a : 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 (such as a voltage, current, or magnetic field strength) by which messages or information can be transmitted

signal

verb
signaled or signalled; signaling or signalling\ ˈsig-​nə-​liŋ How to pronounce signalling (audio) \

Definition of signal (Entry 2 of 3)

transitive verb

1 : to notify by a signal signal the fleet to turn back
2a : 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

signal

adjective

Definition of signal (Entry 3 of 3)

: distinguished from the ordinary : notable a signal achievement

Keep scrolling for more

Other Words from signal

Verb

signaler or signaller noun

Examples of signal in a Sentence

Noun

He likes her but he is sending the wrong signals with his constant teasing. The teacher gave us the signal to finish what we were working on and hand in our tests. Faulty wiring in the train station caused a signal to malfunction.

Verb

Robins signal the arrival of spring. The election results surely signal the start of a new era. A lock on the suitcase might signal that there's something of value inside. Did he signal before he made the left turn? They signaled at me to come over to their table. He signaled us that it was time to begin the meeting. The umpire signaled a strike.

Adjective

Is he worthy of such a signal honor? the Louisiana Purchase is cited by many historians as one of the most signal events in American history
See More

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

India’s Chandrayaan-2 orbiter circling the moon has spotted the country’s lost Vikram lander on the lunar surface, but there is still no signal from the lander, according to Indian media reports. Tariq Malik, Scientific American, "India Locates Its Lost Vikram Lander on the Moon," 9 Sep. 2019 Conservatives in the orchestra and in the audience may be reassured, but this retrenchment is a troubling signal from a historically great orchestra that ought to be assuming a leadership role in global classical music. Alex Ross, The New Yorker, "Kirill Petrenko’s Unadventurous Début at the Berlin Philharmonic," 9 Sep. 2019 But for the fashion crowd, fall is a signal to head back to the stores and stock up on this season’s chunky sweaters, elegant boots and show-stopping outerwear. Max Berlinger, Los Angeles Times, "Fall Fashion Preview: The runway pieces that Southern California retailers are most excited about this season," 6 Sep. 2019 At the start of his rule, there were signals of a possibly different path. Alan Cowell, New York Times, "Mugabe’s Reign Began With Bob Marley and Good Schools. Despotism Soon Followed.," 6 Sep. 2019 Just by existing, the Ace of Cups are moving things forward for gender and age equality – and a Grammy nomination celebrating their long-overdue debut would be a nice signal to the world that there's not an age limit on following your dreams. Joe Lynch, Billboard, "Ace of Cups: Could a 50-Year-Old Band Get a Best New Artist Grammy Nom?," 4 Sep. 2019 After all, high prices are simply a signal that demand, in this case for housing, is high relative to supply. John Phelan, Twin Cities, "John Phelan: Affordable housing is rare because it’s illegal to build," 1 Sep. 2019 But then, there was another signal pointing to another coin. Meilan Solly, Smithsonian, "Medieval Coin Hoard Offers Evidence of Early Tax Evasion," 30 Aug. 2019 The case is a signal that the war against piracy is far from over. Wired, "A New Kind of Wi-Fi, a Streaming Piracy Bust, and More News," 29 Aug. 2019

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

Conceivably, their reticence could have signaled a settlement was at hand. Tim Sullivan, The Courier-Journal, "Progress not visible in talks between Rick Pitino and the U of L Athletic Association," 10 Sep. 2019 Stephanie Grisham, who became press secretary in late June, has signaled that the resumption of briefings is really Trump's call. Brian Stelter, CNN, "'She Said:' New book recounts the reporting that revealed Harvey Weinstein's abuses," 9 Sep. 2019 The authorities, for their part, have signaled that no more defiance will be tolerated. Austin Ramzy, New York Times, "Hong Kong Protesters Clash With Police After Defying Ban," 31 Aug. 2019 In years past, that kind of move would have signaled the Giants raising a white flag on their playoff pursuit. Henry Schulman, SFChronicle.com, "Giants promote top infield prospect Mauricio Dubon, cut Scooter Gennett," 27 Aug. 2019 The Orioles have already signaled their intention to take the dispute to an appeals court in New York that was divided during the earlier round. Eriq Gardner, The Hollywood Reporter, "Judge Upholds $100M TV Money Win for Washington Nationals," 23 Aug. 2019 Markets, especially for bonds, have signalled deepening anxiety. The Economist, "Now Donald Trump calls the Fed’s chairman an “enemy”," 23 Aug. 2019 Beto O-Rourke, the Democratic candidate for President from El Paso, TX, has already signalled his support for the plan in a tweet. Amelia Harnish, refinery29.com, "Parkland Students Announce Their Sweeping Gun Control Policy Proposal," 22 Aug. 2019 While no fee has been discussed yet, Brighton have signalled their intent of staying in the top-flight for another season with a current outlay of just under £60m. SI.com, "Brighton Confident of Signing Aaron Mooy From Huddersfield Ahead of Transfer Deadline," 8 Aug. 2019

Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective

The Panthers had nearly 700 yards total offense, including Panther signal caller Austin Walker completing four of six passes for 84 yards and no INTs. David Taylor, Houston Chronicle, "Liberty takes advantage of Cleveland miscues for 69-13 win," 9 Sep. 2019 Plump red, yellow, and green beauties appearing on the vine signal summer’s arrival. al, "Serve a meal inspired by Alabama’s 200-year history," 20 Aug. 2019 Staff and teammates rave about Hoyer’s leadership and work as the scout team signal caller. Jim Mcbride, BostonGlobe.com, "With oodles of talent and depth, there will be plenty of interesting position battles during Patriots training camp," 22 July 2019 What people forget is that Fournette was playing behind an atrocious offensive line last season and had arguably the worst QB in the NFL as the team’s signal caller. Dr. Roto, SI.com, "Fantasy Football: 10 Bounceback Candidates For 2019," 9 Aug. 2019 With training camp in full swing, quarterback Marcus Mariota, the first Samoan Heisman Trophy winner, will be the signal caller for the NFL’s Tennessee Titans. Rob Ruck, The Conversation, "I traveled to American Samoa 5 times to study the secret to its football success," 8 Aug. 2019 And signal weakness, and a will