American Sign Language

noun

: a sign language that is used especially for communication by and with deaf people and is the formal sign language of the United States and English-speaking Canada and also serves as the basis for various sign languages in other countries (such as Thailand, Nigeria, and Bolivia)
abbreviation ASL

Note: American Sign Language was developed in Hartford, Connecticut in the early 1800s.

Examples of American Sign Language in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The Saturday night performance will include American Sign Language interpretation. Mike Danahey, Chicago Tribune, 4 Apr. 2025 One of these diagrams, Pronouns in American Sign Language, 2020, usually hangs on a wall in my apartment. Mara Mills, Artforum, 1 Apr. 2025 The father-son duo succeeded in winning the $1 million jackpot for a charity of their choice, which was an American Sign Language (ASL) program at the Los Encinos School, where Jon's son Dezi, who is deaf, attends. Erin Clack, People.com, 30 Mar. 2025 There will be an ASL (American Sign Language) interpreted show on April 25. News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for American Sign Language

Word History

First Known Use

1900, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of American Sign Language was in 1900

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Cite this Entry

“American Sign Language.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/American%20Sign%20Language. Accessed 11 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

American Sign Language

noun
: a sign language for the deaf

More from Merriam-Webster on American Sign Language

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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