What does signaled mean?
Signaled is the past tense and past participle of signal. It describes the act of communicating a message, warning, request, or direction through a gesture, movement, light, sound, or some other agreed device. A driver signals before turning, a referee signals a foul, and a flashing light signals danger. The word can also mean more generally “to indicate,” as when survey results or financial figures signal a change in public opinion or economic conditions. This figurative use suggests that evidence reveals or points toward a particular development. “Signaled” is the usual spelling in American English, while “signalled” is the conventional British spelling. Together with the present-tense form “signals,” it belongs to a useful family that also includes “signaling” or “signalling,” “signaler,” and “signaller.”
verbThe past tense and past participle of signal: to give a signal or indicate using a gesture, action, light, sound, or other device.
- To communicate a message or request by means of a gesture, movement, light, sound, or another agreed signal.
- To indicate or make known, especially through an action or sign.
"The driver signaled before turning into the narrow lane."
"The conductor signaled the orchestra to begin."
"The survey results signaled a sharp rise in public demand."
From the Latin signum, meaning “sign,” our modern verb still captures the ancient idea of making a deliberate mark that conveys meaning.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does signaled come from?
The word ultimately comes from Latin signum, meaning “sign” or “token,” through late Middle English and Early Modern English. The verb “signal” developed from the use of physical signs to convey messages, especially in military and nautical contexts. Its relatives include “signature,” “signatory,” and “significant,” all of which preserve the same Latin root.
Related word forms
How signaled is actually used
In American English, “signaled” is standard; British English uses “signalled” more commonly. The verb may describe deliberate communication through an agreed device or gesture, but it can also mean more generally “to indicate,” as when data or events signal a trend.
Easily confused with signaled
Signal communicates a message or request, whereas signing may mean writing one's name or using a sign language.
Signaled is the standard US spelling of the past tense, while signalled is the standard British spelling.