American Sign Language
noun
: a sign language that is used especially for communication by and with deaf people and is the formal sign language of the U.S. and English-speaking Canada and also serves as the basis for various sign languages in other countries (such as Thailand, Nigeria, and Bolivia)
—abbreviation ASL
Note: American Sign Language was developed in Hartford, Connecticut in the early 1800s.
Examples of American Sign Language in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Suddenly, Floyd — an American Sign Language interpreter — sees through the window a young man meandering toward the motel’s pool, on the verge of falling in.
—
Daniel D'addario, Variety, 11 June 2026
Researchers demonstrated the system’s ability to recognize all 26 letters of American Sign Language, highlighting its precision in capturing intricate finger configurations.
—Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 10 June 2026
Assistive-listening devices and hearing loops are available for deaf or hard-of-hearing visitors, and closed captioning and on-screen American Sign Language interpretations for digital media exhibits and films are included in the museum's galleries.
—Sara Tenenbaum, CBS News, 9 June 2026
In laboratory demonstrations with eight volunteers, developers showed the wristband could precisely mirror hand gestures – including all 26 letters in American Sign Language – within 120 milliseconds.
—ABC News, 9 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for American Sign Language
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Daniel D'addario, Variety, 11 June 2026
Researchers demonstrated the system’s ability to recognize all 26 letters of American Sign Language, highlighting its precision in capturing intricate finger configurations.
—Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 10 June 2026
Assistive-listening devices and hearing loops are available for deaf or hard-of-hearing visitors, and closed captioning and on-screen American Sign Language interpretations for digital media exhibits and films are included in the museum's galleries.
—Sara Tenenbaum, CBS News, 9 June 2026
In laboratory demonstrations with eight volunteers, developers showed the wristband could precisely mirror hand gestures – including all 26 letters in American Sign Language – within 120 milliseconds.
—ABC News, 9 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for American Sign Language
Cite this Entry
“American Sign Language.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/American%20Sign%20Language. Accessed 21 Jun. 2026.
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