a gesture, action, or sound that is used to convey information or instructions, an indication of a state or condition

get the signal, send out signals, signal to noise ratio

mixed signals, send a signal, clear signal

Formal and Informal Expressions of signal

In different contexts, you can replace 'signal' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'indication, gesture' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'sign, heads up' is a commonplace synonym.

signal: Explore its Definition & Usage

signal Definition

1a gesture, action, or sound that is used to convey information or instructions
2an indication of a state or condition

Using signal: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "signal" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
The traffic light turned green as a signal for us to proceed.
Example
He gave me a signal to start the presentation.
Example
The stock market's rise is a signal of economic growth.
Example
The teacher's frown was a signal to stop talking.

signal Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for signal

Antonyms for signal

Idioms Using signal

get the signal
to understand what someone is trying to communicate
Example
I didn't get the signal that the meeting had been moved to a different room.
send out signals
to give indications about one's intentions or feelings, often unconsciously
Example
She's been sending out signals that she's not happy with her job.
signal to noise ratio
the ratio of useful information to irrelevant or unwanted information in a communication system
Example
The signal to noise ratio in this recording is too low to hear the speaker clearly.

Phrases with signal

mixed signals
conflicting messages or indications about someone's intentions or feelings
Example
He's been giving me mixed signals about his interest in me.
send a signal
to communicate a message or intention through an action or statement
Example
By offering the job to her, the company is sending a signal that they value her skills and experience.
clear signal
a strong and unambiguous indication of something
Example
The sudden drop in sales is a clear signal that we need to change our marketing strategy.

Origins of signal

from Old French 'seignal', from medieval Latin 'signale', neuter of 'signalis', from Latin 'signum', meaning 'mark, token'

📌

Summary: signal in Brief

The term 'signal' [ˈsɪɡnəl] refers to a gesture, action, or sound that conveys information or instructions, or an indication of a state or condition. It can be used in various contexts, such as traffic lights, stock markets, and nonverbal communication. Phrases like 'mixed signals' and 'send a signal' denote conflicting messages and intentional communication, respectively. Idioms like 'get the signal' and 'signal to noise ratio' refer to understanding and the ratio of useful to irrelevant information.