signal

sig|nal¹ W2S3 [ˈsıgnəl] n

[Date: 1300-1400; : Old French; Origin: signale, from Medieval Latin, from Late Latin signalis 'of a sign', from Latin signum; SIGN¹]

1.) a sound or action that you make in order to give information to someone or tell them to do something

signal (for sb) to do sth

▪ When she got up from the table, it was obviously the signal for us to leave.

▪ The headmaster gave the signal to begin.

▪ At a pre-arranged signal the lights went out.

→↑smoke signal

2.) an event or action that shows what someone feels, what exists, or what is likely to happen

signal (that)

▪ These results are a signal that the child may need special help.

signal of

▪ The opinion poll is a clear signal of people's dissatisfaction with the government.

▪ The display flashed a red warning signal .

▪ A red flag is often used as a danger signal.

send/give a signal

▪ This will send the wrong signal to potential investors.

3.) a series of light waves, sound waves etc that carry an image, sound, or message, for example in radio or television

send (out)/transmit/emit a signal (to sb)

▪ This new pay-TV channel sends signals via satellite to cable companies.

▪ In the 1970s it was illegal to transmit fax signals via the public telephone system.

receive/pick up/detect a signal

▪ a small antenna which receives radio signals

▪ The Coast Guard picked up a distress signal from a freighter 50 miles out at sea.

4.) a piece of equipment with coloured lights, used on a railway to tell train drivers whether they can continue or must stop

▪ a stop signal

▪ a signal failure (=when these lights do not work)

→busy signal at ↑busy¹ (4)

signal ²

signal² v past tense and past participle signalled present participle signalling BrE past tense and past participle signaled present participle signaling AmE

1.) [I and T]

to make a sound or action in order to give information or tell someone to do something

▪ She signalled, and the waiter brought the bill.

▪ The whistle signalled the end of the match.

signal at

▪ Mary signalled wildly at them, but they didn't notice.

signal to

▪ The judge signaled to a police officer and the man was led away.

signal for

▪ He pushed his plate away and signalled for coffee.

signal (to) sb to do sth

▪ She signalled to the children to come inside.

signal that

▪ The bell signaled that school was over.

2.) [T]

to make something clear by what you say or do - used in news reports

▪ Both sides have signaled their willingness to start negotiations.

▪ British sources last night signalled their readiness to talk.

signal (that)

▪ The Prime Minister's speech today signals that there will be a shake-up in the cabinet.

3.) [T]

to be a sign that something is going to happen

signal the start/beginning/end of sth

▪ the lengthening days that signal the end of winter

4.)

to show the direction you intend to turn in a vehicle, using the lights

American Equivalent: indicate

▪ Signal before you pull out.

signal ³

signal³ [i]adj [only before noun] formal

[Date: 1600-1700; : French; Origin: signalé, past participle of signaler 'to show a difference between', from Old Italian segnalare, from Medieval Latin signale; SIGNAL¹]

important

signal achievement/success/failure etc

▪ The university has done me the signal honour of making me an Honorary Fellow.