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.
Project Nim, the flagship study of this era, enlisted a rotating cast of student volunteers to train Nim in American Sign Language, all while young Nim was disruptively shuttled among homes and caregivers. Camille Bromley Gabra Zackman Krish Seenivasan David Mason, New York Times, 6 Jan. 2025 Denali National Park offers assistive listening devices and with advance notice, American Sign Language interpretation for its ranger programs. Eve Chen, USA TODAY, 30 Dec. 2024 As Tkachuk launched himself from the edge of the circles, American Sign Language (ASL) broadcasters Jason Altmann and Noah Blankenship conveyed the moment. Scott Powers, The Athletic, 30 Dec. 2024 For his part, DiMarco worked to ensure that the film’s American Sign Language, which is the predominant language in the doc, is portrayed and interpreted accurately. Mia Galuppo, The Hollywood Reporter, 10 Dec. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near American Sign Language

Cite this Entry

“American Sign Language.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/American%20Sign%20Language. Accessed 18 Jan. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!