signalman

C2 Topic:Work & Careers

US /ˈsɪɡ.nəl.mən/ UK /ˈsɪɡ.nəl.mən/ See IPA manual

Freq #62423

Meanings

1

noun
a railway employee who controls signals and points to regulate the safe movement of trains

The signalman held the freight train until the express had cleared the junction.
2

noun
a member of the armed forces responsible for transmitting and receiving signals or communications

The signalman maintained radio contact between the patrol and headquarters.
3

noun
a person who directs a crane, vehicle, or rigging operation by giving visual or audible signals

A signalman stood where both the crane operator and the loading crew could see him.

Thesaurus

Synonyms

1 noun · a railway employee who... signallersignal operator

2 noun · a member of the armed... signallercommunications specialist

3 noun · a person who directs a... banksmanspottersignaller

Word family

Derived forms handsignalman

Related forms signalsignalwomanrailway communications

Etymology

A compound of signal + man. Signal entered English through French signal, ultimately from Late Latin signale ("a sign"), based on Latin signum ("mark, sign"). The occupational word was applied to railway, military, maritime, and lifting operations.

Topics

Work & Careers Word Formation & Derivatives

External links

# signalman

**Type:** Word
**Level:** C2
**Part of speech:** noun
**IPA (US):** /ˈsɪɡ.nəl.mən/
**IPA (UK):** /ˈsɪɡ.nəl.mən/
**Frequency rank:** 62423

## Meanings
1. a railway employee who controls signals and points to regulate the safe movement of trains
2. a member of the armed forces responsible for transmitting and receiving signals or communications
3. a person who directs a crane, vehicle, or rigging operation by giving visual or audible signals

## Examples
- The signalman held the freight train until the express had cleared the junction.
- The signalman maintained radio contact between the patrol and headquarters.
- A signalman stood where both the crane operator and the loading crew could see him.

## Synonyms
- signaller
- signal operator
- banksman
- communications specialist

## Derived Forms
- handsignalman

## Related Forms
- signal
- signalwoman
- railway
- communications

## Etymology
A compound of signal + man. Signal entered English through French signal, ultimately from Late Latin signale ("a sign"), based on Latin signum ("mark, sign"). The occupational word was applied to railway, military, maritime, and lifting operations.

## Topics
- Work & Careers
- Word Formation & Derivatives

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