signalman
signalman — noun
1. a worker whose job is to control the coloured lights and mechanical arms along a
a worker whose job is to control the coloured lights and mechanical arms along a railway track that tell train drivers when it is safe to move or to stop.
The signalman pulled the lever to change the signal from red to green for the train.
collocation: pull the lever / change the signal
Sayaka's grandfather worked as a signalman at the main railway junction for over thirty years.
collocation: work as a signalman at [place]
From the hut beside the tracks, the signalman watched the morning freight train roll past.
A new digital system lets the signalman control all station signals from one screen.
The railway company hired three new signalmen to manage traffic on the coastal line.
- signaller
British spelling variant of the same occupation, especially in formal job titles
- signal operator
more technical term used in modern railway job descriptions
- signal maintainer
American term for someone who installs and repairs railway signals, not necessarily the same as operating them
用法筆記
Frequently used with a possessive or article (a signalman, the signalman, my uncle the signalman). The plural form is signalmen. In American English, railroad signal maintainer or signal operator is more common.
常見錯誤
2. a soldier or sailor who has been trained to send and understand messages using l
a soldier or sailor who has been trained to send and understand messages using lights, flags, radio, or other signalling equipment during operations.
At night, the signalman used a flashlight to send coded messages to nearby troops.
collocation: send coded messages using [device]
Nikhil trained as a navy signalman and could read flag signals from a kilometre away.
collocation: train as a signalman in [branch of service]
When the radio failed, the signalman used semaphore flags to relay the commander's order.
Every signalman in the regiment had to memorise over fifty codes before being sent overseas.
- signaller
standard British military spelling; used in official rank titles such as Lance Corporal Signaller
- radio operator
modern equivalent focused on radio communication rather than all signalling methods
- communications specialist
broader modern military role that includes digital and electronic communications
用法筆記
In modern armed forces, signalman is increasingly replaced by specialist roles such as radio operator or communications technician. The term is still used in historical or ceremonial contexts and in the Royal Corps of Signals (British Army).