noun / verb
signal
SIG-nuhl/ˈsɪɡnəl/
A sign that conveys information or intention.
The lifeguard's whistle and waving arms signal the swimmers to return to shore.
Etymology
The pieces express something pertaining to a sign. From a visible indication, signal came to mean an agreed-upon cue, then extended to electrical and broadcast transmissions carrying information.
In context
Everything a signal, everything is information.
determine the auditory signal our brain perceives.
More examples
- She signals to the waiter that she wants the check.
- Use your turn signal before changing lanes.
- The radio receives a weak signal from the station.
Forms
signal · signals · signaled · signaling
Similar words
- cue
- Usually prompts someone to act at a particular moment.
- gesture
- Communicates through bodily movement rather than light or sound.
- indication
- Suggests something is true without necessarily communicating it deliberately.