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
The lead roles in the show are performed simultaneously by two actors, one who speaks and sings and one who uses American Sign Language.
—
Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 30 Apr. 2026
Tensions over police staffing remain, but the city is eyeing investments into other public safety areas including launching an American Sign Language program and staffing the Richmond Fire Department with more paramedics.
—Sierra Lopez, Mercury News, 26 Apr. 2026
Variety has learned exclusively that Harbour, who plays Floyd Smernitch — an American Sign Language interpreter found dead and tied to a local dating app — will be submitted in the supporting actor (limited or anthology series or movie) category.
—Clayton Davis, Variety, 23 Apr. 2026
Three songs sung by popular characters in Frozen 2, Encanto and Moana 2 are going to be released in American Sign Language for Disney Animation's Songs in Sign Language initiative on Monday, April 27.
—Kayla Grant, PEOPLE, 23 Apr. 2026
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Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 30 Apr. 2026
Tensions over police staffing remain, but the city is eyeing investments into other public safety areas including launching an American Sign Language program and staffing the Richmond Fire Department with more paramedics.
—Sierra Lopez, Mercury News, 26 Apr. 2026
Variety has learned exclusively that Harbour, who plays Floyd Smernitch — an American Sign Language interpreter found dead and tied to a local dating app — will be submitted in the supporting actor (limited or anthology series or movie) category.
—Clayton Davis, Variety, 23 Apr. 2026
Three songs sung by popular characters in Frozen 2, Encanto and Moana 2 are going to be released in American Sign Language for Disney Animation's Songs in Sign Language initiative on Monday, April 27.
—Kayla Grant, PEOPLE, 23 Apr. 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 7 May. 2026.
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