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

called also Ameslan

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

To connect directly to a crisis counselor in American Sign Language, call 1-800-985-5990 from your videophone. —Richard Eisenberg, Fortune Well, 6 Sep. 2024

This year’s Kickoff Game is scheduled to include an in-stadium translation of the National Anthem into American Sign Language. —Steven Aquino, Forbes, 4 Sep. 2024

English and American Sign Language, also marks the 20th anniversary of the pop-punk album that inspired it. —Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 2 Sep. 2024

Dezi — who is Jon Barinholtz's son with his wife Annika — is deaf, and Ike and Alan won the million dollars to fund an American Sign Language (ASL) program at the school. —Madeleine Janz, Peoplemag, 15 Aug. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1893, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

American Sign Language

noun

: a sign language for the deaf