sign language
noun
1
: any of various formal languages employing a system of hand gestures and their placement relative to the upper body, facial expressions, body postures, and finger spelling especially for communication by and with deaf people
But true sign languages are in fact complete in themselves: their syntax, grammar, and semantics are complete, but they have a different character from that of any spoken or written language.—
Oliver Sacks
Oliver SacksSign language relies mainly on the signer's hand, but facial expressions and body movements are also important.—Mark Prigg
Mark Prigg2
: an unsystematic method of communicating chiefly by manual gestures (as by people speaking different languages)
I decided to cadge a lift from a Lebanese who only spoke Arabic, so we had to converse in sign language.—Robert Fox
Robert FoxExamples of sign language in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Chimpanzees and gorillas have used sign language to express emotions and ask for things from people.
—Leticia Fanucchi, The Conversation, 10 Feb. 2025
Stephanie Nogueras and Otis Jones IV will translate those performances into sign language.
—Andy Swift, TVLine, 8 Feb. 2025
These services include not only account assistance but also foreign language services either in person or via the Over the Phone Interpreter (OPI) line, sign language interpreter services and reasonable accommodation for those with a disability.
—Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes, 30 Jan. 2025
Communication Supports: May include, but are not limited to, captioning, alternative and augmentative Communication Supports, plain language, sign language and other supports that facilitate effective communication.
—Hazlitt, 4 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sign language
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Leticia Fanucchi, The Conversation, 10 Feb. 2025
Stephanie Nogueras and Otis Jones IV will translate those performances into sign language.
—Andy Swift, TVLine, 8 Feb. 2025
These services include not only account assistance but also foreign language services either in person or via the Over the Phone Interpreter (OPI) line, sign language interpreter services and reasonable accommodation for those with a disability.
—Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes, 30 Jan. 2025
Communication Supports: May include, but are not limited to, captioning, alternative and augmentative Communication Supports, plain language, sign language and other supports that facilitate effective communication.
—Hazlitt, 4 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sign language
Cite this Entry
“Sign language.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sign%20language. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.
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