signalling

signalling — verb

1. the form of the verb 'signal' that shows an ongoing action — giving a message or

1.verbtransitive / intransitiveB1
Definition

the form of the verb 'signal' that shows an ongoing action — giving a message or instruction using a light, sound, gesture, or flag

Example

Evelyn was signalling to the other driver that she was turning left.

signalling + to + noun + that-clause

At the busy site, Mr. Chen was signalling to the crane driver to lift the load higher.

signalling + to + noun + to-infinitive (purpose)

Common collocations
  • signalling equipment
  • signalling system
  • signalling device
  • signalling method
  • signalling to someone

Grammar Patterns

signalling + noun phrase

signalling + to + noun + that-clause

signalling + prepositional phrase (with/in/by)

Usage Note

This is the British English spelling; American English uses 'signaling' (single 'l'). Both forms are otherwise identical in meaning and use.

Common Mistakes

He was signaling with a flag.' (in British English context)
He was signalling with a flag.
'signalling' with double 'l' is the standard British spelling; 'signaling' is American.

Word family

  • signal
    nounA2
  • signal
    verbB1
  • signaller
    nounB2

Etymology

LatinFrenchEnglish

Derived from the verb 'signal', which comes from the medieval Latin 'signale' meaning 'a sign', ultimately from Latin 'signum' meaning 'mark, token, or indication'. The spelling with double 'l' before '-ing' follows British English consonant-doubling rules for verbs stressed on the first syllable.