noun
- Now Rare a token or indication
- a sign or event fixed or understood as the occasion for prearranged combined action: a bugle signal to attack
- anything which occasions a certain action or response
- a sign given by gesture, flashing light, etc. to convey a command, direction, warning, etc.
- an object or device, as a red flag, flashing light, etc., providing such a sign
- in some card games, a bid or play designed to guide one's partner
- in telegraphy, radio, television, etc., the electrical impulses, sound or picture elements, etc. transmitted or received
- Football code words, numbers, etc. called out, esp. by the quarterback, to indicate which play or defense to use next
Origin:
OFr < VL signale < neut. of LL signalis < L signum, a sign
transitive verb signaled or signalled, signaling or signalling
- to make a signal or signals to
- to make known or communicate (information) by signals
intransitive verb
to make a signal or signals