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.
But then something incredible happened - instead of just waving hello, Buzz started communicating with him in American Sign Language, creating an unforgettable moment for both Jabez and his sister Everlyn. Ronnie Li, USA TODAY, 26 Feb. 2025 The March 1 production will include American Sign Language interpretation, the release said. ECC Arts Center is partnering with the ECC Wellness Team, Ecker Center for Behavior Health and the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) to provide emotional and counseling support to attendees. Mike Danahey, Chicago Tribune, 20 Feb. 2025 Nvidia on Thursday launched Signs, a free AI-powered tool that helps teach American Sign Language. Ina Fried, Axios, 20 Feb. 2025 Smitten with Malaika, Nico begins taking an American Sign Language course. Lisa Kennedy, New York Times, 20 Feb. 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 10 Mar. 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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