to semaphore
8.8
To send a message using flags or moving arms so someone far away can read it
- verb
- /ˈsɛmɪfɔr/
- Specialized
:
señalizar
- During the military exercise, the officer had to semaphore commands to the troops stationed on the hill.
Examples
-
The sailor used flags to semaphore his message to the ship approaching from afar.
-
What you want to do is semaphore weight online.
-
Back on the top of the hill, Harris had his arm up to semaphore the cruiser.
Fiction book (1990) -
She learned how to semaphore with her friend, using colorful cloths to send simple signals across the field.
Synonyms
8.6
Send information using signals or movements like nods and waves
refers specifically to using flags or mechanical arms for that communication
Compounds
semaphore line
- Archaic
8.7
A way to send visible messages over long distances using towers with moving arms
How Clear
Surface Forms
semaphore infinitive
semaphored past
semaphored past participle
semaphoring present participle
semaphores third person singular
Etymology
Semaphore comes from the Greek parts sema 'sign' and phoros 'bearer', so to semaphore is to carry or show signs with flags or moving arms in order to send a message.