Word forms: plural, 3rd person singular presenttense signals, present participle signalling, past tense, past participle signalledregional note: in AM, use signaling, signaled
1. countable noun
A signal is a gesture, sound, or action which is intended to give a particular message to the person who sees or hears it.
They fired three distress signals.
As soon as it was dark, Mrs Evans gave the signal.
You mustn't fire without my signal.
Synonyms: cue, sign, nod, prompting More Synonyms of signal
2. verb
If you signalto someone, you make a gesture or sound in order to send them a particular message.
The United manager was to be seen frantically signalling to McClair. [VERB preposition/adverb]
He stood up, signalling to the officer that he had finished with his client. [VERB that]
She signalled a passing taxi and ordered him to take her to the rue Marengo. [VERB noun]
[Also VERB]
3. countable noun
If an event or action is a signalof something, it suggests that this thing exists or is going to happen.
Kurdish leaders saw the visit as an important signal of support. [+ of]
The first warning signals came in March.
The Red Cross is withdrawing its staff until they receive clear signals from allsides that their presence is welcomed.
4. verb
If someone or something signals an event, they suggest that the event is happening or likely to happen.
She will be signalling massive changes in energy policy. [VERB noun]
Britain was signalling its readiness to have the embargo lifted. [VERB noun]
The outcome of the meeting could signal whether there is a political will to beginnegotiating. [VERB wh]
Synonyms: show, express, display, indicate More Synonyms of signal
5. countable noun
A signal is a piece of equipment beside a railway, which indicates to train drivers whether they should stop the train or not.
6. countable noun
A signal is a series of radio waves, light waves, or changes in electrical current which may carry information.
...high-frequency radio signals.
7. adjective [ADJECTIVE noun]
You use signal to describe a success or failure when you are emphasizing the fact that it has occurred and are indicating that the consequences are significant.
[emphasis]
His final round was a signal triumph in a career marked by many sweet moments.
...Marlantes's signal failure to master some of the more central aspects of novelwriting, including character, pace and style.
signallyadverb [usu ADV before v]
...a demoralised party which its leader signally failed to reassure.
More Synonyms of signal
signal in British English
(ˈsɪɡnəl)
noun
1.
any sign, gesture, token, etc, that serves to communicate information
2.
anything that acts as an incitement to action
the rise in prices was a signal for rebellion
3.
a.
a variable parameter, such as a current or electromagnetic wave, by which information is conveyed through an electronic circuit, communications system, etc
b.
the information so conveyed
c.
(as modifier)
signal strength
a signal generator
adjective
4.
distinguished or conspicuous
5.
used to give or act as a signal
verbWord forms: -nals, -nalling, -nalledWord forms: US-nals, -naling or -naled
6.
to communicate (a message, etc) to (a person)
Derived forms
signaller (ˈsignaller) or US signaler (ˈsignaler)
noun
Word origin
C16: from Old French seignal, from Medieval Latin signāle, from Latin signum sign
signal in American English
(ˈsɪgnəl)
noun
1. Rare
a token or indication
2.
a sign or event fixed or understood as the occasion for prearranged combined action
a bugle signal to attack
3.
anything which occasions a certain action or response
4.
a.
a sign given by gesture, flashing light, etc. to convey a command, direction, warning, etc.
b.
an object or device, as a red flag, flashing light, etc., providing such a sign
5.
in some card games, a bid or play designed to guide one's partner
6.
in telegraphy, radio, television, etc., the electrical impulses, sound or picture elements, etc. transmitted or received
7. [pl.]; American Football
code words, numbers, etc. called out, esp. by the quarterback, to indicate which play or defense to use next
adjective
8.
not average or ordinary; remarkable; notable
9.
used as a signal or in signaling
verb transitiveWord forms: ˈsignaled or ˈsignalled, ˈsignaling or ˈsignalling
10.
to make a signal or signals to
11.
to make known or communicate (information) by signals
verb intransitive
12.
to make a signal or signals
Derived forms
signaler (ˈsignaler)
noun or ˈsignaller
Word origin
OFr < VL signale < neut. of LL signalis < L signum, a UNRESOLVED CROSS REF
signal in Electrical Engineering
(sɪgnəl)
Word forms: (regular plural) signals
noun
(Electrical engineering: Circuits, Communication, Computing and control)
A signal is a series of radio waves or changes in electrical current that may carry information.
An amp that uses a fixed current source of 2.5A from the positive supply will draw2.5A regardless of load or signal level, but only from the positive supply.
A filter changes the amplitude or phase characteristics of a signal with respect to frequency.
A signal is a series of radio waves or changes in electrical current that may carry information.
COBUILD Collocations
signal
mixed signals
powerful signal
strong signal
subtle signal
warning signal
wrong signal
Examples of 'signal' in a sentence
signal
The snack which signals the end of a diet is usually a pack of crisps.
The Sun (2016)
Your best chance of rescue is by sending a distress signal that gives your exact location.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
This gives a signal we are there and we are fighting.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
Speculation has swirled around the maker of rail signalling systems for the best part of a year.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
Researchers know that different movements result in distinct electrical signals.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
After the war he specialised as a signals officer.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
We had warning signals going throughout the plane.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
The strata that are now forming will carry a distinct signal comparable to those of the past.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
These devices use radio signals which can be picked up by crooks.
The Sun (2006)
Sometimes there have been conflicting messages and signals.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
We need to send a stronger signal of our contempt for this kind of crime.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
It is all done by sending electronic signals.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
We found that blocking the nerve signals makes the cancer cells more vulnerable.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
It was a gesture meant to signal that the era of complacency was over.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
It signalled the end of the political phase.
Philip Marsden The Barefoot Emperor: An Ethiopian Tragedy (2007)
The airline confirmed that no distress signal was sent.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
These were the wrong signals to give.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
Inside all of us there appears to be a little chap with a spray can frantically signalling to be let out.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
Then, nerves which had been transmitting "touch" begin signalling "pain".
Lewith, George & Horn, Sandra Drug-Free Pain Relief (1987)
By paying dividends on a frequent basis, a firm signals its ongoing success.
Miller, Roger LeRoy & Fishe, Raymond P. H. Microeconomics: Price Theory in Practice (1995)
It was a signal honour for Mir.
James Fergusson KANDAHAR COCKNEY: A Tale of Two Worlds (2004)
The snub sent a clear signal that the pair's engagement is off.
The Sun (2013)
Train services were disrupted around Edinburgh last week after high temperatures affected signalling equipment.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
In other languages
signal
British English: signal /ˈsɪɡnl/ NOUN
A signal is a sound or action which is intended to send a particular message.
They fired three distress signals.
American English: signal
Arabic: إشَارَة
Brazilian Portuguese: sinal
Chinese: 信号
Croatian: signal
Czech: signál
Danish: signal
Dutch: signaal
European Spanish: señal signo
Finnish: signaali
French: signal
German: Signal
Greek: σινιάλο
Italian: segnale
Japanese: 合図
Korean: 신호
Norwegian: signal
Polish: sygnał
European Portuguese: sinal
Romanian: semnal
Russian: сигнал
Latin American Spanish: señal signo, indicación
Swedish: signal
Thai: สัญญาณ
Turkish: işaret
Ukrainian: сигнал
Vietnamese: tín hiệu
British English: signal /ˈsɪɡnl/ VERB
If you signal something, or if you signal to someone, you make a gesture or sound in order to give someone a particular message.
She signalled a passing taxi.
American English: signal
Arabic: يُشيرُ
Brazilian Portuguese: sinalizar
Chinese: 发信号
Croatian: signalizirati
Czech: signalizovat
Danish: signalere
Dutch: signaleren
European Spanish: señalar señalizar
Finnish: antaa merkki
French: signaler
German: signalisieren
Greek: σηματοδοτώ
Italian: segnalare
Japanese: 合図する
Korean: 신호를 보내다
Norwegian: signalisere
Polish: zasygnalizować
European Portuguese: sinalizar
Romanian: a semnala
Russian: подавать сигнал
Latin American Spanish: señalar hacer señas
Swedish: signalera
Thai: ให้สัญญาณ
Turkish: işaretle anlatmak
Ukrainian: подавати сигнал
Vietnamese: ra hiệu
All related terms of 'signal'
busy signal
a repeated single note heard on a telephone when the number called is already in use
call signal
a group of letters and numbers identifying a radio transmitting station , esp an amateur radio station
fog signal
a signal used to warn railway engine drivers in fog , consisting of a detonator placed on the line
hand signal
an action performed with a person's hand , or hands , which is intended to give a particular message to the person who sees it
signal book
a book containing the signals to be used for sending messages to other boats
signal box
A signal box is a small building near a railway, which contains the switches used to control the signals.
signal flag
a flag used for sending messages to other ships
time signal
The time signal is the series of high-pitched sounds that are broadcast at certain times on the radio, for example at exactly one o'clock or exactly six o'clock.
turn signal
A car's turn signals are the flashing lights that tell you it is going to turn left or right .
Very signal
a colored flare fired from a special pistol ( Very pistol ) for signaling at night
alarm signal
a signal warning of danger
danger signal
any type of signal that indicates danger
signal corps
the part of an army in charge of communications , as by radio
signal tower
a tower from which railway signals are controlled or displayed
smoke signal
If someone such as a politician or businessman sends out smoke signals , they give an indication of their views and intentions. This indication is often not clear and needs to be worked out.
strong signal
A signal is a gesture , sound, or action which is intended to give a particular message to the person who sees or hears it.
subtle signal
A signal is a gesture , sound, or action which is intended to give a particular message to the person who sees or hears it.
wrong signal
A signal is a gesture , sound, or action which is intended to give a particular message to the person who sees or hears it.
distress signal
a signal by radio , Very light, etc from a ship or other vessel in need of immediate assistance
interval signal
a characteristic snatch of music, chimes , etc, transmitted as an identifying signal by a radio station between programme items
powerful signal
A signal is a gesture , sound, or action which is intended to give a particular message to the person who sees or hears it.
signal failure
Failure is a lack of success in doing or achieving something, especially in relation to a particular activity.
signal strength
You can talk about the strength of a flavour , smell , colour, sound, or light to describe how intense or easily noticed it is.
warning signal
A signal is a gesture , sound, or action which is intended to give a particular message to the person who sees or hears it.
departure signal
a piece of equipment beside a railway which indicates to train drivers whether they should depart or not
signal generator
an apparatus used to generate a signal consisting of a known oscillating voltage , usually between 1 microvolt and 1 volt , over a range of frequencies, to test electronic equipment
composite colour signal
a colour television signal in which luminance and two chrominance components are encoded into a single signal
signal-to-noise ratio
the ratio of one parameter , such as power of a wanted signal to the same parameter of the noise at a specified point in an electronic circuit, etc
signal the beginning of
The beginning of an event or process is the first part of it.
traffic light
Traffic lights are sets of red, amber, and green lights at the places where roads meet . They control the traffic by signalling when vehicles have to stop and when they can go. Traffic lights can also be referred to as a traffic light .
Chinese translation of 'signal'
signal
(ˈsɪɡnl)
n(c)
(to do sth) 信号(號) (xìnhào) (个(個), gè)
(= indication) 暗示 (ànshì)
(Rail) 信号(號)机(機) (xìnhàojī) (部, bù)
(Elec) 信号(號) (xìnhào) (个(個), gè)
vi
(with gesture, sound)
to signal (to sb)(向某人)示意 ((xiàng mǒurén) shìyì)
(Aut, with indicator) 开(開)信号(號)灯(燈)示意 (kāi xìnhàodēng shìyì)