Signal is a versatileable to be used in many different ways or situations English word with several related meanings. It can be a noun, a verb, or an adjective, depending on whether you mean a message, the act of communicatingsharing information or ideas with another person or group, something that indicates a change, or something especially notableimportant or worth noticing because it stands out.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-21. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Pronunciation
AI-generated pronunciation audio (OpenAI).
Accent: General American English
IPA: /ˈsɪɡnəl/
Easy pronunciation: SIG-nuhl (approximate spelling).
Stress: Stress the first syllable.
Verb meaning to show or indicate something.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: uncertain — manual review needed. Checked: 2026-10-21. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Signal Meaning
to show or indicate something
Part of speech: verb
Definition: to be a sign that something is happening or is likely to happen
Example: The economic indicators signal that the euro is undervalued.
Synonyms for this meaning:
- indicate — A very common, natural substitute in this sense.
- bespeak — Means to suggest or show something, but is more formal and less common.
- betoken — A formal word meaning to be a sign of something.
- point — Works in the sense of pointing to or suggesting something, but is less precise.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-21. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Other Meanings of Signal
Meaning 2
a message sent without words
Part of speech: noun
Definition: a gesture, sound, or other act that conveys a message
Example: The boat's signals suddenly stopped.
Synonyms for this meaning:
- sign — A close substitute when the meaning is a message or cue.
Meaning 3
to give a message without speaking
Part of speech: verb
Definition: to communicate silently by using gestures or signs
Example: The diner signaled the waiter to bring the menu.
Synonyms for this meaning:
- sign — Can work when it means communicating by signs.
- signalise — British spelling/form, but less common in everyday use.
- signalize — Commoner U.S. spelling/form, but still uncommon in modern everyday use.
Meaning 4
an electronic message or transmission
Part of speech: noun
Definition: an electrical or electronic wave or current that carries information
Example: The phone lost signal in the tunnel.
Meaning 5
a cue to begin or respond
Part of speech: noun
Definition: something that causes or warns someone to act
Example: He awaited the signal to start.
Meaning 6
very noticeable or outstanding
Part of speech: adjective
Definition: especially noticeable or unusually important
Example: The year saw one signal triumph for the Labour Party.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-21. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Signal Synonyms
Similar Meaning
- indicate
- bespeak
- betoken
noun: a gesture, sound, or other act that conveys a message
- sign
verb: to communicate silently by using gestures or signs
- sign
- signalise
- signalize
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: uncertain — manual review needed. Checked: 2026-10-21. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Common Mistakes
- Do not mix up the verb meaning 'indicate' with the verb meaning 'communicate by gestures.'
- Do not use 'signal' only for electronic or radio transmission; it also has ordinary everyday meanings.
- 'signal' as an adjective means 'remarkable' or 'notable,' not 'electronic' or 'important to send.'
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-21. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does signal mean in simple English?
Signal can mean a sign, a message sent without words, the act of showing or indicating something, or something especially notable.
What are the main synonyms of signal?
For the common verb meaning 'show or indicate,' strong synonyms include indicate, bespeak, and betoken. For the noun meaning 'message or sign,' sign is the closest substitute.
Is signal always a noun?
No. Signal can be a noun, a verb, or an adjective.
What is the difference between signal and sign?
Signal often suggests a deliberate cue or message, while sign is broader and can mean any indication or symbol.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-21. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
