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

Another witness told police that King, who is deaf, was seen communicating in sign language with Steigelman prior to the stabbing. —Silas Morgan, Orlando Sentinel, 5 Aug. 2024

King was transported to the Ocoee police station, where Orange County sheriff’s deputy Ryan Brigham, a sign language interpreter, was brought in to speak to King. —Silas Morgan, Orlando Sentinel, 5 Aug. 2024

For deaf or hard-of-hearing skydivers, instructors can use sign language and other visual communication methods to ensure everyone is on the same page. —Sophie Morgan, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Aug. 2024

Jasper Davis, the 14-year-old shot and killed July 21 in a shooting at the Mondawmin Metro Station in East Baltimore, is being remembered as a promising musical artist who knew sign language and was easy to like. —Darcy Costello, Baltimore Sun, 29 July 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