Meaning & use
signals
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“signals” is a form of “signal”. See that entry for the full set of meanings.
Meanings
nounplural
Actions, sounds, or signs that give information or tell someone what to do.
Grammar: Plural of 'signal'. Use with plural verbs: signals are, signals show. For one, use 'a signal'.
Patterns
- signals from something
- send signals
- receive signals
- give a signal
The traffic signals were not working, so drivers had to be careful.
She gave me signals to leave the party early.
The body sends signals to the brain when it needs food.
nounpluraltechnical
Electronic or radio waves that carry information, such as for phones, television, or the internet.
Grammar: Usually plural when talking about reception: get signals, lose signals. Also used as a singular: a strong signal.
Patterns
- phone signals
- radio signals
- a strong signal
- lose the signal
The mountain valley is so deep that phone signals rarely reach it.
The satellite sends signals back to Earth.
We lost the Wi-Fi signal in the basement.
verbtransitive or intransitive
To make a movement or sound to tell someone something, or to show an intention.
Grammar: Can be used with an object: signal someone; or without: signal to someone. Often followed by 'to' or 'for'.
Patterns
- signal to someone
- signal for something
- signal that ...
- signal a change
The driver signaled to us to cross the street.
She signaled that she was ready to go.
The company signaled a change in policy last week.
Word forms
| third person singular | signals |
|---|---|
| past tense | signaled |
| past participle | signaled |
| -ing form | signaling |
| plural | signals |
Common combinations
- traffic signals
- The traffic signals turned red, so we stopped.
- send a signal
- The ship sent a distress signal.
- mixed signals
- He gave me mixed signals about whether he liked me.
- signal a turn
- Always signal before you turn.
- phone signal
- There is no phone signal in this remote area.
Synonyms and how they differ
- sign
- A sign is a visible mark or notice; a signal is usually an action or sound meant to communicate something, often over a distance.
- indication
- Indication is more formal and often suggests evidence rather than a deliberate message; a signal can be deliberate or not.
Word family
- signal noun
- A single action or sound that gives information.
- signaler noun
- A person or device that sends signals.
Commonly confused: signals or single?
signals vs single
Single means only one; signals are messages or waves. They sound similar but have completely different meanings.
Practice
The teacher ______ to the class to be quiet.
Choose one answer.
The sentence is about a completed action in the past, so the past tense 'signaled' is correct. 'Signals' is present tense and would not match the past time reference.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “signals”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.