VOCABULARY in sign language

How to sign "vocabulary" in American Sign Language (ASL)? And tips on learning ASL vocabulary.

Meaning: A list or collection of the words or phrases in a particular language, technical field, etc., usually arranged in alphabetical order and defined.

Pronunciation (sign description): Dominant "V" handshape, palm down just above non-dominant palm-down horizontal index finger, taps twice on the passive forefinger, where the top part of the dominant-handed middle finger and index finger are in contact with the non-dominant forefinger.

Meaning: big words; big-word vocabulary.

Vocabulary

Synonyms: WORD, sesquipedalian, TERM.

More related signs: TERMINOLOGY, JARGON, GLOSSARY, DICTIONARY, LEXICON, THESAURUS, WORDBOOK.

ASL learning tips

Keep in mind that learning a bunch of ASL signs isn't equate with learning the language. Meaning? Learn ASL grammar. Vocabulary + grammar = language! Very commonly, hearing people think that learning ASL is learning vocabulary with English grammar in it.

Rather than just practice signing a set or word list of ASL words, use them in sentences.

To avoid cultural appropriation and audism, learn our language for your curiosity, exploration, or communication with Deaf signers, but don't go out and about teaching others signed words online or offline. More than not, hearing signers often pronounce them wrong without realizing or making them look a bit awkward or disrespectful without understanding the history of audism, cultural appropriation, and a number of other -isms. Instead, refer to Deaf-owned, Deaf-run resources.

To learn more vocabulary, browse word lists or search a word in the ASL dictionary below.

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~~ Feeling lucky? ¯\(°_o)/¯ Random word ~~

Search Tips and Pointers

Search/Filter: Enter a keyword in the filter/search box to see a list of available words with the "All" selection. Click on the page number if needed. Click on the blue link to look up the word. For best result, enter a partial word to see variations of the word.

Screenshot of dictionary search with notes
Screenshot of the search dictionary

Alphabetical letters: It's useful for 1) a single-letter word (such as A, B, etc.) and 2) very short words (e.g. "to", "he", etc.) to narrow down the words and pages in the list.

For best result, enter a short word in the search box, then select the alphetical letter (and page number if needed), and click on the blue link.

Screenshot of dictionary search with notes
Screenshot of the search dictionary

Don't forget to click "All" back when you search another word with a different initial letter.

If you cannot find (perhaps overlook) a word but you can still see a list of links, then keep looking until the links disappear! Sharpening your eye or maybe refine your alphabetical index skill. :)

Add a Word: This dictionary is not exhaustive; ASL signs are constantly added to the dictionary. If you don't find a word/sign, you can send your request (only if a single link doesn't show in the result).

Videos: The first video may be NOT the answer you're looking for. There are several signs for different meanings, contexts, and/or variations. Browsing all the way down to the next search box is highly recommended.

Video speed: Signing too fast in the videos? See HELP in the footer.

ASL has its own grammar and structure in sentences that works differently from English. For plurals, verb inflections, word order, etc., learn grammar in the "ASL Learn" section. For search in the dictionary, use the present-time verbs and base words. If you look for "said", look up the word "say". Likewise, if you look for an adjective word, try the noun or vice versa. E.g. The ASL signs for French and France are the same. If you look for a plural word, use a singular word.