As a Noun: 1. A language which is made and communicated by using visual-gestural signs. English = sign language, sign. 2. The thing that a single unit of a language (word or sign) or a whole expression refers to or expresses. Often this 'thing' is just other words and signs, rather than something you can point at. English = meaning, significance. 3. A single visual-gestural unit of a sign language. English = sign. As a Verb or Adjective: 1. To communicate with someone using a sign language. English = sign. 2. Of a unit of language (word or sign) or a whole expression, to refer to a thing or idea or express something. English = mean. Formal English = signify. 3. To intend to communicate a particular message. English = mean. As Modifier: 1. Used at the beginning of a sentence to mean that you are about to explain something again more clearly or to justify something you have said. English = I mean..., What I mean is....