- signal
- [[t]sɪ̱gnəl[/t]]
♦♦♦signals, signalling, signalled(in AM, use signaling, signaled)1) N-COUNT 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.
2) VERB If you signal to someone, you make a gesture or sound in order to send them a particular message.[V prep/adv] The United manager was to be seen frantically signalling to McClair...
[V that] He stood up, signalling to the officer that he had finished with his client...
[V n] She signalled a passing taxi and ordered him to take her to the rue Marengo. [Also V]
3) N-COUNT: with supp If an event or action is a signal of something, it suggests that this thing exists or is going to happen.Kurdish leaders saw the visit as an important signal of support...
The first warning signals came in March...
The Red Cross said it is withdrawing its staff until they receive clear signals from all sides that their presence is welcomed.
Syn:4) VERB If someone or something signals an event, they suggest that the event is happening or likely to happen.[V n] She will be signalling massive changes in energy policy...
[V n] Britain was signalling its readiness to have the embargo lifted...
[V wh] The outcome of that meeting could signal whether there truly exists a political will to begin negotiating.
Syn:5) N-COUNT A signal is a piece of equipment beside a railway, which indicates to train drivers whether they should stop the train or not.6) N-COUNT A signal is a series of radio waves, light waves, or changes in electrical current which may carry information....high-frequency radio signals.
7) ADJ: ADJ n (emphasis) 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.His final round was a signal triumph in a career marked by many sweet moments.
...John Major's signal failure to grab America's attention.
Derived words:
English dictionary. 2008.
