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
Oliver SacksSign language relies mainly on the signer's hand, but facial expressions and body movements are also important.—Mark Prigg
Mark Prigg2
: 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
Robert FoxExamples of sign language in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
There were sign language interpreters and wheelchair ramps.
—Yejin Gim, Christian Science Monitor, 2 June 2025
Frequently in Hollywood, sign language is accompanied by captions, but the directors of Deaf President Now! opted to use voice-overs when the Deaf interviewees are on set.
—John Hendrickson, The Atlantic, 23 May 2025
Bravin added that for the deaf community, there are glasses on the market that show a sign language interpreter on the lens of the glasses, which would be more appealing.
—Sean Krofssik, Hartford Courant, 20 May 2025
Lincoln can now communicate with sign language and has learned to walk on his own.
—Rick Mauch, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sign language
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.
Yejin Gim, Christian Science Monitor, 2 June 2025
Frequently in Hollywood, sign language is accompanied by captions, but the directors of Deaf President Now! opted to use voice-overs when the Deaf interviewees are on set.
—John Hendrickson, The Atlantic, 23 May 2025
Bravin added that for the deaf community, there are glasses on the market that show a sign language interpreter on the lens of the glasses, which would be more appealing.
—Sean Krofssik, Hartford Courant, 20 May 2025
Lincoln can now communicate with sign language and has learned to walk on his own.
—Rick Mauch, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sign language
Cite this Entry
“Sign language.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sign%20language. Accessed 12 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share