American Sign Language

noun

: a sign language that is used especially for communication by and with deaf people and is the formal sign language of the United States and English-speaking Canada and also serves as the basis for various sign languages in other countries (such as Thailand, Nigeria, and Bolivia)
abbreviation ASL

called also Ameslan

Note: American Sign Language was developed in Hartford, Connecticut in the early 1800s.

Examples of American Sign Language in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The event will also feature a performance by American Sign Language (ASL) hip hop star Matt Maxey aka Deafinitely Dope. Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 13 Mar. 2024 In part due to the legacy of slavery and segregation in the United States, African Americans have developed their own distinct varieties of language, including African American English and Black American Sign Language. USA TODAY, 12 Mar. 2024 Two separate audiologists in memos to Google said Hall needs an American Sign Language interpreter full-time. Paresh Dave, WIRED, 7 Mar. 2024 The most recent update in December reported on a celebration of Native American Heritage Month, a unit for Spanish language students about Dia de los Muertos, a baking event to support soldiers, and a volunteer trip by American Sign Language students to help deaf residents decorate for holidays. Rory Linnane, Journal Sentinel, 7 Mar. 2024 Though Reba McEntire, Post Malone and Andra Day, the pre-show acts at Las Vegas’s Allegiant Stadium, were each accompanied by a live American Sign Language performer on the field, CBS didn’t show the ASL performers on television. People Staff, Peoplemag, 28 Feb. 2024 Several performances will feature American Sign Language interpreters. Brendel Hightower, Detroit Free Press, 23 Feb. 2024 There will also be an American Sign Language version available. Caroline Brew, Variety, 21 Feb. 2024 Actor Marlee Matlin slammed CBS on social media after the television network failed to show the American Sign Language (ASL) performers during the live broadcast of Super Bowl 58. Katherine Itoh, NBC News, 12 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'American Sign Language.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1893, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of American Sign Language was in 1893

Dictionary Entries Near American Sign Language

Cite this Entry

“American Sign Language.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/American%20Sign%20Language. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

American Sign Language

noun
: a sign language for the deaf

More from Merriam-Webster on American Sign Language

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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