signal Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun any nonverbal action or gesture that encodes a message
    signaling; sign.
    • signals from the boat suddenly stopped
  2. noun any incitement to action
    • he awaited the signal to start
    • the victory was a signal for wild celebration
  3. noun an electric quantity (voltage or current or field strength) whose modulation represents coded information about the source from which it comes
  4. verb communicate silently and non-verbally by signals or signs
    signalise; signalize; sign.
    • He signed his disapproval with a dismissive hand gesture
    • The diner signaled the waiters to bring the menu
  5. verb be a signal for or a symptom of
    bespeak; indicate; betoken; point.
    • These symptoms indicate a serious illness
    • Her behavior points to a severe neurosis
    • The economic indicators signal that the euro is undervalued
  6. adjective satellite notably out of the ordinary
    • the year saw one signal triumph for the Labour party

WordNet

Sig"nal noun
Etymology
F., fr. LL. signale, fr. L. signum. See Sign, n.
Definitions
  1. A sign made for the purpose of giving notice to a person of some occurence, command, or danger; also, a sign, event, or watchword, which has been agreed upon as the occasion of concerted action.
    All obeyed The wonted signal and superior voice Of this great potentate. Milton.
  2. A token; an indication; a foreshadowing; a sign.
    The weary sun . . . Gives signal of a goodly day to-morrow. Shak.
    There was not the least signal of the calamity to be seen. De Foc.
Sig"nal adjective
Etymology
From signal, n.: cf. F. signalé.
Definitions
  1. Noticeable; distinguished from what is ordinary; eminent; remarkable; memorable; as, a signal exploit; a signal service; a signal act of benevolence.
    As signal now in low, dejected state As erst in highest, behold him where he lies. Milton.
  2. Of or pertaining to signals, or the use of signals in conveying information; as, a signal flag or officer. Syn. -- Eminent; remarkable; memorable; extraordinary; notable; conspicuous.
Sig"nal transitive verb
Wordforms
imperfect & past participle Signaled or Signalled; present participle & verbal noun Signaling or Signalling
Definitions
  1. To communicate by signals; as, to signal orders.
  2. To notify by a signals; to make a signal or signals to; as, to signal a fleet to anchor. M. Arnold.

Webster 1913