Phrase guide

smoke signal

noun · 4 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

noun

Meaning 1

A method of long-distance communication sometimes used in ancient and undeveloped societies, consisting of messages conveyed by means of columns or intermittent puffs of smoke.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Qualifier: often pluralized

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

noun

Meaning 2

A message or sign sent by this method.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

3

noun

Meaning 3

An indirect message or indication, especially concerning a future event.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic

Qualifier: often pluralized

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

4

noun

Meaning 4

A type of flare or combustion device sometimes used as a distress signal.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

11 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Dutch: rooksignaal — ancient method of communication
  • Finnish: savumerkki — ancient method of communication
  • German: Rauchzeichen — ancient method of communication
  • Hungarian: füstjel — ancient method of communication
  • Italian: segnale di fumo — ancient method of communication
  • Russian: дымово́й сигна́л (dymovój signál) — ancient method of communication
  • Swedish: röksignal — ancient method of communication
  • Ukrainian: димови́й сигна́л (dymovýj syhnál) — ancient method of communication
  • Finnish: savumerkki — indirect indication
  • Finnish: hätäsavu — distress signal
  • German: Rauchsignal — distress signal