signal

S2 W1

BrE /ˈsɪɡ.nəl/ AmE /ˈsɪɡ.nəl/

noun / verb en → es

1 INDICATION [countable] A2

a sign or message that gives information, especially about something happening now or soon

señal, indicación

  • a signal for sth

Collocations traffic signal · emergency signal

  • The red light is a signal to stop.

    El semáforo rojo es una señal para detenerse.

2 TELECOMMUNICATION [countable] B1

a message sent by radio, telephone, or other electronic means

señal de comunicación

  • send/receive a signal

Collocations radio signal · satellite signal

  • The satellite sent out a strong signal.

    El satélite envió una señal fuerte.

3 ACTION [intransitive] B1

to show that you want someone to do something, or to give an order or warning by making a sign or sound

hacer señas, dar una señal

  • signal for sth

Collocations signal to sb · signal that

  • He signaled to the driver to stop.

    Él hizo señas al conductor para que se detuviera.

4 TECHNOLOGY [transitive] B2

to send a message or information by electronic means, such as radio waves or light

enviar una señal

  • signal sth to sb

Collocations signal data · signal a message

  • The computer signals the printer when it is ready.

    La computadora envía una señal al impresor cuando está lista.

5 SPORT [intransitive] B2

to show that you want a decision to be changed in a game or competition, especially by raising your hand or arm

hacer una señal de protesta

  • signal for sth

Collocations signal a foul · signal an error

  • The player signaled to the referee that he had been fouled.

    El jugador hizo una señal al árbitro de que lo habían faltado.

6 ELECTRONICS [transitive] C1

to change a sound or picture into electronic signals that can be recorded, stored, and sent by radio waves or light

convertir en señal eléctrica

  • signal sth to sb

Collocations signal a sound · signal an image

  • The device signals the data to the computer.

    El dispositivo convierte los datos en señales eléctricas para la computadora.

7 ECONOMICS [transitive] C1

to show that something is likely to happen, especially a change in the economy or politics

ser un indicio de

  • signal sth

Collocations signal an increase · signal a change

  • The rise in unemployment signals economic problems.

    El aumento del desempleo es un indicio de problemas económicos.

8 MUSIC [intransitive] C1

to show the start of a piece of music or part of it, especially by raising your hand or waving a baton

hacer una señal para comenzar

  • signal for sth

Collocations signal the start of a piece · signal an intermission

  • The conductor signals to begin.

    El director de orquesta hace una señal para comenzar.