Meaning & use

signing

noun·Everyday

The use of hand shapes, movements, and facial expressions to communicate, as in a sign language.

See it in a sentence

The interpreter used signing to translate the lecture for deaf students in real time.

Their toddler picked up basic signing before she could say her first words.

A note on using this word

In everyday speech, signing usually refers to communicating in a sign language like ASL or BSL, not merely gesturing.

Words with a similar meaning

sign language

Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.

Another way to use it

2. noun

The act of writing one's signature on a document to make it official or binding.

The signing of the lease took less than ten minutes at the agent's office.

Make it your own

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