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
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 question is valid, given that the former Gallaudet student organizers, now nearing retirement age, address the camera by using American Sign Language.
—
John Hendrickson, The Atlantic, 23 May 2025
Told primarily through American Sign Language, intermixed with archival footage and experiential use of silence and sound, the Apple+ doc tells the story of a game-changing protest.
—Addie Morfoot, Variety, 16 May 2025
She is known for her insights about the evolution of language, especially American Sign Language, and the cultural life in deaf communities.
—Gary Robbins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 May 2025
An American Sign Language Artist: Brandon Kazen-Maddox makes time for mud massages, meditation and aerial hoop adventures.
—Lia Picard, New York Times, 3 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for American Sign Language
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John Hendrickson, The Atlantic, 23 May 2025
Told primarily through American Sign Language, intermixed with archival footage and experiential use of silence and sound, the Apple+ doc tells the story of a game-changing protest.
—Addie Morfoot, Variety, 16 May 2025
She is known for her insights about the evolution of language, especially American Sign Language, and the cultural life in deaf communities.
—Gary Robbins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 May 2025
An American Sign Language Artist: Brandon Kazen-Maddox makes time for mud massages, meditation and aerial hoop adventures.
—Lia Picard, New York Times, 3 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for 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 4 Jun. 2025.
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