signal

noun
UK: /ˈsɪɡ.nəl/
US: /ˈsɪɡ.nəl/

  1. An action, movement, or sound that gives information or tells people what to do.

    1. He gave the signal to start the race. [ ] [ ]
    2. The driver used a hand signal to indicate they were turning right. [ ] [ ]

  2. A message that is sent by electronic means, such as radio, television, or computer.

    1. The radio signal was very weak in the mountains. [ ] [ ]
    2. We lost the TV signal during the storm, and the screen went blank. [ ] [ ]

  3. Something that shows that something else exists or is likely to happen.

    1. Rising unemployment is a signal of a weakening economy. [ ] [ ]
    2. Her constant lateness was a signal that she wasn't serious about the job. [ ] [ ]

Synonyms

indication alert wave sign warn cue gesture
signal verb

  1. To do something to make someone notice you or what you want to say.

    1. She signalled for a taxi. [ ] [ ]
    2. The referee signalled a penalty after a foul was committed. [ ] [ ]

  2. To be a sign of something.

    1. This decision signals a major shift in company policy. [ ] [ ]
    2. The strong sales figures signal a positive trend for the business. [ ] [ ]

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "signal" in English means: An action, movement, or sound that gives information or tells people what to do., A message that is sent by electronic means, such as radio, television, or computer., Something that shows that something else exists or is likely to happen..

The phonetic transcription of "signal" is /ˈsɪɡ.nəl/ in British English and /ˈsɪɡ.nəl/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "signal": indication, alert, wave, sign, warn, cue, gesture.

Example usage of "signal": "He gave the signal to start the race.". More examples on the page.