to signal
Third Person
signals
Present Participle
signaling
Past Tense
signaled
Past Participle
signaled
1
to give someone a message, instruction, etc. by making a sound or movement
transitive
- The coach signaled the players to execute a specific play using hand gestures.
- In a crowded room, she discreetly signaled her friend across the table to join her.
- The traffic officer signaled drivers to stop or proceed using hand signals.
- The referee signaled a penalty by raising the yellow card.
2
to indicate something as a sign for something else
transitive
- The dark clouds in the sky signaled an approaching storm.
- His frequent coughing signaled that he might be coming down with a cold.
- The sudden drop in temperature signaled the onset of winter.
- The sudden increase in sales signaled a surge in demand for the product.
- The sudden appearance of police cars signaled trouble in the neighborhood.
3
to do something to make one's feelings or opinions known
transitive
- She signaled her disapproval by crossing her arms and frowning.
- The protesters signaled their dissent by chanting slogans and holding up signs.
- He signaled his agreement by nodding his head vigorously.
- The audience signaled their boredom by checking their phones and shifting in their seats.
- She signaled her annoyance by tapping her foot impatiently.