Translate signal | into French | into German | into Italian | into Spanish Definition of signal
noun
1a gesture, action, or sound that is used to convey information or instructions, typically by prearrangement between the parties concerned:the firing of the gun was the signal for a chain of beacons to be lit [with infinitive]:the policeman raised his hand as a signal to stop an indication of a state of affairs:the markets are waiting for a clear signal about the direction of policy an event or statement that provides the impulse or occasion for something specified to happen:the champion’s announcement that he was retiring was the signal for scores of journalists to gather at his last match an apparatus on a railroad, typically a colored light or a semaphore, giving indications to train engineers of whether or not the line is clear. Bridge a prearranged convention of bidding or play intended to convey information to one’s partner.
2an electrical impulse or radio wave transmitted or received:equipment for receiving TV signals
verb (signals, signaling, signaled ; chiefly Britishsignals, signalling, signalled)
[no object] transmit information or instructions by means of a gesture, action, or sound:hold your fire until I signal [with object and infinitive] instruct (someone) to do something by means of gestures or signs rather than explicit orders:she signaled Charlotte to be silent (of a cyclist, motorist, or vehicle) indicate an intention to turn in a specified direction using an extended arm or flashing indicator: [with complement]:Stone signaled right [with infinitive]:the truck signaled to turn left indicate the existence or occurrence of (something) by actions or sounds: [with object]:they could signal displeasure by refusing to cooperate [with clause]:she gave a glance that signaled that her father was being secretive
