signal

[ˈsɪɡnəl]

signal Definition

• 1. a gesture, action, or sound that is used to convey information or instructions
• 2. an 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

• indication
• cue
• sign
• gesture
• token

Antonyms for signal

• noise
• disturbance

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'

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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.