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
Shubham Yewale, PCMAG, 6 Nov. 2024
More:Wisconsin's purple state tradition doesn't match demographics The state’s voting history in the Trump Era is another potential signal.
—Craig Gilbert, Journal Sentinel, 5 Nov. 2024
Joe Mathews, The Mercury News, 8 Nov. 2024
In 1980, Ronald Reagan won all of the Southern states except for Jimmy Carter’s native Georgia, signaling that the GOP was ascendant in the region.
—Allison Mashell Mitchell / Made By History, TIME, 5 Nov. 2024
Vincent Frank, Forbes, 20 Oct. 2024
Leaders who use gentle gestures, smile often and lean slightly forward signal openness.
—Cheryl Robinson, Forbes, 31 Oct. 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
The Netgear Orbi 770 Series Tri-Band Wi-Fi 7 Mesh System offers affordable Wi-Fi 7 connectivity, covering up to 8,000 square feet with impressive speeds and a reliable signal.
—Shubham Yewale, PCMAG, 6 Nov. 2024
More:Wisconsin's purple state tradition doesn't match demographics The state’s voting history in the Trump Era is another potential signal.
—Craig Gilbert, Journal Sentinel, 5 Nov. 2024
Verb
And commissioners have signaled their interest in doing more on housing, by asking the state to restore their power (taken away in the 1980s) to require developers to provide affordable units.
—Joe Mathews, The Mercury News, 8 Nov. 2024
In 1980, Ronald Reagan won all of the Southern states except for Jimmy Carter’s native Georgia, signaling that the GOP was ascendant in the region.
—Allison Mashell Mitchell / Made By History, TIME, 5 Nov. 2024
Adjective
That is to say, a signal caller playing under a rookie contract.
—Vincent Frank, Forbes, 20 Oct. 2024
Leaders who use gentle gestures, smile often and lean slightly forward signal openness.
—Cheryl Robinson, Forbes, 31 Oct. 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 22 Nov. 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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