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 (such 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 (such as a voltage, current, or magnetic field strength) by which messages or information can be transmitted
signaled or signalled; signaling or signalling
ˈsig-nə-liŋ 
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)
: to make or send a signal
signaler
noun
or signaller
Synonyms
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
Recent Examples on the Web
Siladitya Ray, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024
Their disenchantment with Democrats and Republicans highlights a growing political divide and signals challenges for future candidates hoping to win them over.
—Alayna Alvarez, Axios, 20 Nov. 2024
Democrat-Gazette Staff From Wire Reports, arkansasonline.com, 23 Nov. 2024
Related article Texas officials signal support for adding Bible lessons for K-5 classes as some states push Christianity in public schools
On Monday, more than 100 people for and against the materials testified before the Texas school board for more than seven hours.
—Amanda Musa, CNN, 22 Nov. 2024
Meaghan Kenny, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Nov. 2024
When asked early in training camp by KJR-FM radio to describe how Smith and Penix are similar, Grubb was effusive in his praise of Seattle’s signal caller.
—Michael-Shawn Dugar, The Athletic, 7 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for signal 
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.
Noun
Other proposals include requiring Google to syndicate its U.S. search results and ranking signals with rivals for 10 years, and letting other companies access its search index at a marginal cost.
—Siladitya Ray, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024
Their disenchantment with Democrats and Republicans highlights a growing political divide and signals challenges for future candidates hoping to win them over.
—Alayna Alvarez, Axios, 20 Nov. 2024
Verb
Bragg's office this week signaled openness to postponing the sentencing four years, until Trump's term is completed.
—Democrat-Gazette Staff From Wire Reports, arkansasonline.com, 23 Nov. 2024
Related article Texas officials signal support for adding Bible lessons for K-5 classes as some states push Christianity in public schools
On Monday, more than 100 people for and against the materials testified before the Texas school board for more than seven hours.
—Amanda Musa, CNN, 22 Nov. 2024
Adjective
As for the ring itself, the Oura Ring 4 is built with Smart Sensing technology, increasing the ring's sensors and ability to find the best signal path, which in turn also improves battery life.
—Meaghan Kenny, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Nov. 2024
When asked early in training camp by KJR-FM radio to describe how Smith and Penix are similar, Grubb was effusive in his praise of Seattle’s signal caller.
—Michael-Shawn Dugar, The Athletic, 7 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for signal
Dictionary Entries Near signal
Cite this Entry
“Signal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/signal. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
signal
1 of 3 noun
sig·nal
ˈsig-nᵊl
1
: an act, event, or word that serves to start some action
2
: a sound or motion of a part of the body made to give warning or command
3
: an object placed to give notice or warning
a traffic signal
4
a
: the message, sound, or effect transmitted in electronic communication (as radio or television)
b
: a radio wave or electric current that transmits a message or effect (as in radio or television)
signal
2 of 3 verb
signaled or signalled; signaling or signalling
-nə-liŋ
1
: to notify by a signal
2
: to communicate by or as if by signals
signaler
noun
signal
3 of 3 adjective1
: unusually great
a signal honor
a signal achievement
2
: used in signaling
a signal light
signally
adverb
-nə-lē
Etymology
Noun
Middle English signal "signal, sign," derived from Latin signalis "of a sign," from earlier signum "mark, sign, image" — related to sign
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