- 1a movement or sound that you make to give someone information, instructions, a warning, etc. synonym sign a danger/warning/distress etc. signal At an agreed signal they left the room. The siren was a signal for everyone to leave the building. When I give the signal, run! All I get is a busy signal when I dial his number (= his phone is being used). hand signals (= movements that cyclists and drivers make with their hands to tell other people that they are going to stop, turn, etc.)
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- 2an event, an action, a fact, etc. that shows that something exists or is likely to happen synonym indication The rise in inflation is a clear signal that the government's policies are not working. This latest decision is a signal of a major change in policy. Reducing prison sentences would send the wrong signals to criminals. Thesaurussign
- indication
- symptom
- symbol
- indicator
- signal
- sign an event, action, or fact that shows that something exists, is happening, or may happen in the future:Headaches may be a sign of stress.
- indication (somewhat formal) a remark or sign that shows that something is happening or what someone is thinking or feeling:They gave no indication as to how the work should be done.
- An indication often comes in the form of something that someone says; a sign is usually something that happens or something that someone does.
- symptom a change in your body or mind that shows that you are not healthy; a sign that something exists, especially something bad:A sore throat may be a symptom of an ear infection. The rise in inflation was just one symptom of the poor state of the economy.
- symbol a person, an object, or an event that represents a more general quality or situation:The dove is a universal symbol of peace.
- indicator (somewhat formal) a sign that shows you what something is like or how a situation is changing:the economic indicators Healthy skin is an indicator of overall well-being.
- signal an event, an action, or a fact that shows that something exists, is happening, or may happen in the future:This latest decision is a signal of a major change in policy. Reducing prison sentences would send the wrong signals to criminals.
- Signal is often used to talk about an event, an action, or a fact that suggests to someone that they should do something. Sign is not usually used in this way:Reducing prison sentences would send the wrong signs to criminals.
- a(n) sign/indication/symptom/symbol/indicator/signal of something
- a(n) sign/indication/symptom/indicator/signal that…
- a clear sign/indication/symptom/symbol/indicator/signal
- an obvious sign/indication/symptom/symbol/indicator
- an early sign/indication/symptom/indicator/signal
- an outward sign/indication/symbol
- to give a(n) sign/indication/signal
- 3a piece of equipment that uses different colored lights to tell drivers to go slower, stop, etc., used especially on railroads and roads traffic signals a stop signal Delays are occurring as a result of signal failure on the northbound line.
- 4a series of electrical waves that carry sounds, pictures, or messages, for example to a radio, television, or cell phone TV signals a high frequency signal a radar signal to detect/pick up signals to emit a signal I couldn't get a signal on my cell phone. The satellite is used for transmitting signals around the world.
Check pronunciation: signal