sign language

noun

1

: any of various formal languages employing a system of hand gestures and their placement relative to the upper body, facial expressions, body postures, and finger spelling especially for communication by and with deaf people

But true sign languages are in fact complete in themselves: their syntax, grammar, and semantics are complete, but they have a different character from that of any spoken or written language.

—Oliver Sacks

Sign language relies mainly on the signer's hand, but facial expressions and body movements are also important.

—Mark Prigg

2

: an unsystematic method of communicating chiefly by manual gestures (as by people speaking different languages)

I decided to cadge a lift from a Lebanese who only spoke Arabic, so we had to converse in sign language.

—Robert Fox

Examples of sign language in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Since its launch, the lifeline has expanded to include services American sign language and Spanish. —Deidre McPhillips, CNN, 25 Sep. 2024

Miller, who communicates through writing and sign language, did not make a statement in court. —Quinlan Bentley, The Enquirer, 4 June 2024

At the time of our interview, Consoli reported Ellie was up to 36 words in sign language. —Steven Aquino, Forbes, 2 Oct. 2024

And obviously sign language was the solution, or at least the start of an opportunity,’’ Mr. Johnson said. —Danica Kirka, The Christian Science Monitor, 18 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1824, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

sign language

noun

1

: a formal language using a system of hand movements for communication (as by the deaf)

2

: a way of communicating mainly by hand and arm movements as often used by people speaking different languages

Medical Definition

sign language

noun

: any of various formal languages employing a system of hand gestures and their placement relative to the upper body, facial expressions, body postures, and finger spelling especially for communication by and with deaf people