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
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
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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
See all Example Sentences for sign language
Dictionary Entries Near sign language
Cite this Entry
“Sign language.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sign%20language. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.
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