signal

Universal Words noun, verb, adjective noun 1 a movement or sound that you make to give sb information, instructions, a warning, etc. SYNSIGN: a danger / warning / distress signal * At an agreed signal they left the room. * The siren was a signal for everyone to leave the building. * When I give the signal, run! * (AmE) All I get is a busy signal when I dial his number (= his phone is being used). * hand signals (= movements that cyclists and drivers make with their hands to tell other people that they are going to stop, turn, etc.) seealsoTURNSIGNAL 2 an event, an action, a fact, etc. that shows that sth exists or is likely to happen SYNSIGN, INDICATION: The rise in inflation is a clear signal that the government's policies are not working. * Chest pains can be a warning signal of heart problems. * Reducing prison sentences would send the wrong signals to criminals. 3 a piece of equipment that uses different coloured lights to tell drivers to slow down, stop, etc., used especially on railways/railroads and roads: traffic signals * a stop signal * Delays are occurring as a result of signal failure on the northbound line. 4 a series of electrical waves that carry sounds, pictures or messages, for example to a radio or television: TV signals * a high frequency signal * a sound / radio / radar signal * to detect / pick up signals * to emit a signal * The satellite is used for transmitting signals around the world. verb (-ll-, AmE -l-) 1 ~ (to sb) to make a movement or sound to give sb a message, an order, etc: [V] Don't fire until I signal. * Did you signal before you turned right? * He signalled to the waiter for the bill. * The patrolman signalled for her to stop. * [VN] The referee signalled a foul. * [V(that)] She signalled (that) it was time to leave. * [Vtoinf] He signalled to us to join him. * [VNtoinf] She signalled him to follow. * [Vwh-] You must signal which way you are going to turn. 2 [VN] to be a sign that sth exists or is likely to happen: This announcement signalled a clear change of policy. * The scandal surely signals the end of his political career. 3 to do sth to make your feelings or opinions known: [VN] He signalled his discontent by refusing to vote. * [V(that)] She has signalled (that) she is willing to stand as a candidate. adjective [onlybeforenoun] (formal) important: a signal success / honour * a signal failure of leadership signally adverb: They have signally failed to keep their election promises.