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
Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 17 Dec. 2024
Law enforcement officials would need a warrant to interfere with the radio signals of a drone, according to Michelle L.D. Hanlon, executive director of the Center for Air and Space Law at the University of Mississippi School of Law.
—Zoe Sottile, CNN, 17 Dec. 2024
Bailey Schulz, USA TODAY, 19 Dec. 2024
Management has signaled that fiscal 2025 will be a transitional year, emphasizing the need for continued innovation and operational efficiencies to address current challenges.
—Trefis Team, Forbes, 18 Dec. 2024
Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 16 Dec. 2024
How would Kevin O'Connell's high-octane passing offense work if there wasn't a solid signal caller to lead the way?
—Scott Thompson, Fox News, 10 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for signal 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Noun
As of September 2023, pilots whose drones require an FAA registration number are also required to broadcast Remote ID, which refers to the ability of a drone in flight to provide identification and location information that can be received by other parties through a signal.
—Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 17 Dec. 2024
Law enforcement officials would need a warrant to interfere with the radio signals of a drone, according to Michelle L.D. Hanlon, executive director of the Center for Air and Space Law at the University of Mississippi School of Law.
—Zoe Sottile, CNN, 17 Dec. 2024
Verb
Bitcoin's price dipped Wednesday after Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell said the central bank is not looking to hold the digital currency and signaled a more cautious approach to rate cuts in 2025.
—Bailey Schulz, USA TODAY, 19 Dec. 2024
Management has signaled that fiscal 2025 will be a transitional year, emphasizing the need for continued innovation and operational efficiencies to address current challenges.
—Trefis Team, Forbes, 18 Dec. 2024
Adjective
Now, the team has officially revealed the injury their signal caller is suffering from.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 16 Dec. 2024
How would Kevin O'Connell's high-octane passing offense work if there wasn't a solid signal caller to lead the way?
—Scott Thompson, Fox News, 10 Dec. 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 Dec. 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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