Meaning & use
signalling
Last updated
“signalling” is a form of “signal”. See that entry for the full set of meanings.
Meanings
noununcountableBritish
the act of sending messages or instructions using lights, sounds, or movements.
Grammar: Uncountable: you talk about signalling in general, not 'a signalling'.
Patterns
- signalling between something
- signalling from something
The train was delayed because of a problem with the signalling.
Good signalling between the crew kept everyone safe.
The birds use bright feathers for signalling during courtship.
noununcountablebiologytechnical
the process by which cells or organisms send chemical or electrical messages.
Grammar: Technical use; often appears in phrases like 'cell signalling' or 'nerve signalling'.
Patterns
- cell signalling
- nerve signalling
Researchers are studying the signalling pathways inside cancer cells.
Damage to nerve signalling can cause numbness in the fingers.
verbtransitive or intransitiveBritish
present participle of 'signal'; sending a message or giving a sign.
Grammar: In British English the -ing form doubles the L: signalling; in American English it is signaling.
Patterns
- signalling to someone
- signalling something
She was signalling to us from across the street.
The driver kept signalling left before the turn.
Word forms
| third person singular | signals |
|---|---|
| past tense | signalled |
| past participle | signalled |
| -ing form | signalling |
Common combinations
- railway signalling
- The railway signalling system was upgraded last year.
- cell signalling
- Cell signalling controls how tissues grow and repair.
- signalling system
- A fault in the signalling system caused long delays.
- signalling pathway
- The drug blocks a key signalling pathway in the immune system.
Synonyms and how they differ
- communication
- This is a broader word for exchanging information; 'signalling' is more specific to signs, lights, or chemical messages.
- transmission
- This often refers to sending signals over distance, especially in technology; 'signalling' focuses on the act of giving a sign.
Word family
Commonly confused: signalling or signing?
signalling vs signing
'Signing' means writing your name or using sign language; 'signalling' means sending signals.
Practice
Choose the correct sentence.
Choose one answer.
'Signalling' is uncountable, so it takes a singular verb and no plural -s. Option B wrongly makes it plural, and option C uses a plural verb with an uncountable noun.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “signalling”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.