signal
Message or data sent between devices or people
A piece of information sent from one person or device to another to share a message.
a signal from [someone/something]
- The phone can't receive a signal in this remote area.
- The traffic light sends a clear signal to drivers.
- We waited for the signal before starting the experiment.
- A weak signal caused the video call to freeze.
- I cannot get a signal on my phone.
- The red light is a signal to stop.
- We saw the smoke as a signal.
- They gave a signal to start the race.
Indicate something using signs or devices
To show or tell something by using your hands, lights, sounds, or another way without words.
to signal [something] to [someone]
- She signaled the waiter for the bill.
- The guard signaled us to stop.
- He signaled his intention to leave by packing his bag.
- The driver signaled before turning left.
- I signaled the taxi to stop.
- He signaled to me with his hand.
- She signaled that she was ready.
- The man signaled for help.
Gesture, sound, or device giving instruction or alert
A movement, sound, or thing that tells people what to do or warns them.
a signal to [do something]
- The coach gave a hand signal to start the play.
- The siren is a signal to evacuate the building.
- He flashed his headlights as a signal to pass.
- The teacher gave a signal to start.
- A red light is a signal to stop.
- The bell is a signal for lunch.
Make gesture/sound to indicate action needed
To move your hand or make a sound so someone knows what to do.
to signal [someone] to [do something]
- The lifeguard signaled the swimmers to come ashore.
- She signaled him to be quiet with a finger on her lips.
- The marshal signaled the cars to start the race.
- He signaled me to sit down.
- The man signaled us to wait.
- She signaled the children to come inside.
- Base: signal
- Plural: signals
- Base: signal
- 3rd Person Singular: signals
- Present Participle: signaling, signalling
- Past: signaled, signalled
danger signal
1Warning of possible harm ahead
Something that shows there might be danger soon.
- Smoke from the forest was a danger signal.
- Falling sales are a danger signal for the company.
send mixed signals
1Communicate unclear messages about intentions/feelings
To say or do things that make people unsure about what you really mean.
- He's sending mixed signals about whether he wants the job.
- Her behavior sends mixed signals about her feelings.
signal boost
1Increase visibility of message online
To share something online so more people see it.
- Can you give this charity post a signal boost?
- The tweet got a big signal boost after a celebrity shared it.
give the green light
2Give official permission to proceed
To say yes so that someone can start doing something.
- The mayor gave the green light to the new park project.
- The manager gave us the green light to launch the campaign.
give the green light
3Allow something to start officially
To give permission for something to begin.
- The boss gave the green light for the new project.
- They can't start building until the city gives the green light.