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
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
Garza is launching a tutoring business for American Sign Language users and learners called CODA Communications, while Coetsee hopes to find a teaching position.
—Laura Begley Bloom, Forbes.com, 27 Apr. 2025
Recently, he's thrived by getting involved in theater and is an avid learner of American Sign Language (ASL).
—Angela Andaloro, People.com, 23 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for American Sign Language
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
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
Garza is launching a tutoring business for American Sign Language users and learners called CODA Communications, while Coetsee hopes to find a teaching position.
—Laura Begley Bloom, Forbes.com, 27 Apr. 2025
Recently, he's thrived by getting involved in theater and is an avid learner of American Sign Language (ASL).
—Angela Andaloro, People.com, 23 Apr. 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 19 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share