Semaphore is a system of sending messages by using two flags. You hold a flag in each hand and move your arms to various positions representing different letters of the alphabet.
semaphore in British English
(ˈsɛməˌfɔː)
noun
1.
an apparatus for conveying information by means of visual signals, as with movable arms or railway signals, flags, etc
2.
a system of signalling by holding a flag in each hand and moving the arms to designated positions to denote each letter of the alphabet
verb
3.
to signal (information) by means of semaphore
Derived forms
semaphoric (ˌsɛməˈfɒrɪk) or semaphorical (ˌsemaˈphorical)
adjective
semaphorically (ˌsemaˈphorically)
adverb
Word origin
C19: via French, from Greek sēma a signal + -phore
semaphore in American English
(ˈsɛməˌfɔr)
noun
1.
any apparatus for signaling, as the arrangement of lights, flags, and mechanical arms on railroads
2.
a system of signaling by the use of two flags, one held in each hand: the lettersof the alphabet are represented by the various positions of the arms
3.
any system of signaling by semaphore
verb transitive, verb intransitiveWord forms: ˈsemaˌphored or ˈsemaˌphoring
4.
to signal by semaphore
Derived forms
semaphoric (ˌsemaˈphoric)
adjective
semaphorist (ˈsemaˌphorist)
noun
Word origin
Fr sémaphore < Gr sēma, sign (see semantic) + -phoros: see -phore
Examples of 'semaphore' in a sentence
semaphore
He must have looked as if he was doing semaphore, silly apeth.
Richard Francis PROSPECT HILL (2003)
"The cameras start to flash, as though the incomprehensible semaphore of their flashes is going to summon the man in the limo.
Clive Barker COLDHEART CANYON (2003)
Meringue hair, glaring cosmetic faces, piranha smiles, jewels that wink like semaphore signals.