Signal Meaning
/ˈsɪɡnəl/Definition, CEFR level B1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
nounA sequence of states representing an encoded message in a communication channel.
nounAny variation of a quantity or change in an entity over time that conveys information upon detection.
Sentence Examples
The driver could not distinguish the signal in the fog.
Drivers have to pay attention to the traffic signal.
CEFR Practice Quiz
The traffic light gave a green ____ for the cars to go forward.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
We waited for a clear green ____ from the traffic light before we carefully drove across the intersection.
Word Origin & History
From Old French segnal, seignal or Medieval Latin signāle; noun use of the neuter of Late Latin signālis, from Latin signum; verb use from 1805, as a shortened from signalize (1650s). Doublet of signum and sign.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"All obeyed / The wonted signal and superior voice / Of this great potentate."
— 1667, John Milton, “Book V”, in Paradise Lost. […], London: […] [Samuel Simmons], and are to be sold by Peter Parker […]; [a]nd by Robert Boulter […]; [a]nd Matthias Walker, […], →OCLC; republished as Paradise Lost in Ten Books: […], London: Basil Montagu Pickering […], 1873, →OCLC:
"Banner-Repeater signals tend to be provided in locations where drivers receive insufficient warning of the main signal, thereby effectively increasing the sighting distance for the main signal."
— 2020 December 30, David Allen, “Unusual signals...”, in Rail, page 64:
"The weary sun […] / Gives signal of a goodly day to-morrow."
— c. 1593 (date written), William Shakespeare, “The Tragedy of Richard the Third: […]”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, →OCLC, [Act V, scene iii]:
"There was not the least signal of the calamity to be seen."
— 1722, Daniel Defoe, A Journal of the Plague Year:
"Did I get it wrong all along? / You were sending signals / You sent certain signals to me"
— 2023, Róisín Murphy, “Hurtz So Bad”, in Hit Parade:
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CEFR Practice Quiz
The traffic light gave a green ____ for the cars to go forward.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
We waited for a clear green ____ from the traffic light before we carefully drove across the intersection.