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

Sign language relies mainly on the signer's hand, but facial expressions and body movements are also important.

—Mark Prigg

2

: 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

Examples of sign language in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Neil Cordova provided sign language interpretation for the interview with Eduardo Ayala. —Luis Melecio-Zambrano, The Mercury News, 21 June 2024

The program includes classes ranging from sign language to therapy to coding, intending to reduce recidivism In the San Quentin prison yard, most inmates are serving life sentences, many for committing serious crimes. —Gianna Toboni, CBS News, 21 June 2024

Ritter learned sign language for the role (as well as some Spanish). —Tracy Brown, Los Angeles Times, 20 June 2024

The students chat back and forth in sign language, and Mr. Bitrus signs back. —Nathaniel Bivan, The Christian Science Monitor, 17 June 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1824, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

sign language

noun

1

: a formal language using a system of hand movements for communication (as by the deaf)

2

: a way of communicating mainly by hand and arm movements as often used by people speaking different languages

Medical Definition

sign language

noun

: 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