What does signalling mean?
Signalling means using a signal to communicate information, warn someone, request an action, or indicate that a situation has changed. The word is especially common in transport, telecommunications, and biological contexts, where it can refer either to the act of transmitting a signal or to an organized system for doing so. For example, railway signalling controls the movement of trains, while cells signal one another through chemical and electrical processes. In everyday conversation, people may signal with a gesture, a look, or a movement of the hand. The word can also imply indirect or deliberate communication, as when a driver signals before turning. Although 'signalling' is the traditional British spelling, it is also understood in American English, where 'signaling' is more usual.
To communicate information or convey a request, warning, or intention by means of a signal.
"She signalled to the waiter that she was ready to order."
Often transitive with a direct object, as in 'to signal danger', though it can also be used intransitively when the gesture or signal itself is emphasized.
The act or practice of communicating by signals, or an organized system for doing so.
"The railway signalling was disrupted during the storm."
In technical contexts, it frequently denotes a formal control or communication system, especially in transport, telecommunications, and biology.
Usually used in the plural for individual instances of signalling activity; mass use is more common for the general process or a system.
"The committee criticized several unexplained signalings from the control room."
From a raised hand to railway signals, human beings have turned simple gestures into some of the world's most important communication systems.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does signalling come from?
The word 'signalling' derives from 'signal', which comes through French from Medieval Latin 'signale', a noun meaning a sign or indication. Latin 'signale' was derived from 'signum', meaning a sign, mark, or symbol, the same root found in English 'sign' and 'signature'. The present participle '-ing' developed as the word came to be used for the activity of communicating through signals.
Related word forms
How signalling is actually used
In general British English, 'signalling' takes two l's; American English normally uses 'signaling'. In transport and telecommunications, it commonly denotes the systems and equipment used to control movement or transmission. In biological contexts, it can describe communication between cells through chemical or electrical signals.
Easily confused with signalling
Signalling is the standard British spelling, while signaling is the standard American spelling of the same word.