What does "signal" mean?
A sequence of states representing an encoded message in a communication channel.
Signal
/ˈsɪɡnəl/ adj, noun, verb
adj, noun, verb ·Top 500 ·Elementary level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A sequence of states representing an encoded message in a communication channel.
- Grammar: signal is listed as adj, noun, verb.
- Nearest alternatives: sign, aid to navigation, alarm, alarm signal.
- Useful contrasts: absolute silence, background, background noises.
- Usage evidence: The driver could not distinguish the signal in the fog.
How to use "signal"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "signal" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "signal" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "signal" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "signal" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "signal" is acting as adj, noun, verb in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "sign" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "signal", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A sequence of states representing an encoded message in a communication channel.
- 2 any nonverbal action or gesture that encodes a message wordnet
- 3 Any variation of a quantity or change in an entity over time that conveys information upon detection.
- 4 any incitement to action wordnet
- 5 A sign made to give notice of some occurrence, command, or danger, or to indicate the start of a concerted action.
"All obeyed / The wonted signal and superior voice / Of this great potentate."
Show 9 more definitions
- 6 an electric quantity (voltage or current or field strength) whose modulation represents coded information about the source from which it comes wordnet
- 7 An on-off light, semaphore, or other device used to give an indication to another person.
- 8 An on-off light, semaphore, or other device used to give an indication to another person.; A railway signal.
- 9 An electromagnetic action, normally a voltage that is a function of time, that conveys the information of the radio or TV program or of communication with another party. Internet, TV, usually
"My mobile phone can't get a signal in the railway station."
- 10 An action, change or process done to convey information and thus reduce uncertainty.
- 11 A token; an indication; a foreshadowing; a sign.
"The weary sun […] / Gives signal of a goodly day to-morrow."
- 12 Useful information, as opposed to noise.
- 13 A simple interprocess communication used to notify a process or thread of an occurrence. Unix
- 14 A signalling interaction between cells
Verb
- 1 To indicate; to convey or communicate by a signal. ambitransitive
"I signalled my acquiescence with a nod."
- 2 be a signal for or a symptom of wordnet
- 3 To communicate with (a person or system) by a signal. transitive
"Seeing the flames, he ran to the control room and signalled headquarters."
- 4 communicate silently and non-verbally by signals or signs wordnet
Adjective
- 1 Standing above others in rank, importance, or achievement. not-comparable
"a signal exploit; a signal success; a signal act of benevolence"
Adjective
- 1 notably out of the ordinary wordnet
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
Example
"The driver could not distinguish the signal in the fog."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "signal"?
Common synonyms include: sign, aid to navigation, alarm, alarm signal, alarms, alert.
How do you use "signal" in a sentence?
The driver could not distinguish the signal in the fog.
How do you pronounce "signal"?
Pronounced /ˈsɪɡnəl/.
Etymology
From Old French segnal, seignal or Medieval Latin signāle; noun use of the neuter of Late Latin signālis, from Latin signum; verb use from 1805, as a shortened from signalize (1650s).