semiotics

[see-mee-ot-iks, sem-ee-, see-mahy-] / ˌsi miˈɒt ɪks, ˌsɛm i-, ˌsi maɪ- /

NOUN

study of signs as elements of communication

Synonyms

STRONG

parole pragmatics semantics symbolism

WEAK

langue sign systems syntactics

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

I always think about what the semiotics of a project are when I take it.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 13, 2025

Roland Barthes was a French literary critic who worked in semiotics, the study of signs and symbols, just as Jung did.

From Salon • Nov. 29, 2024

Marcel Danesi is professor emeritus of linguistic anthropology and semiotics at the University of Toronto.

From Salon • Mar. 6, 2024

“I don’t have anything to say. It’s the semiotics of theater without the content.”

From New York Times • Aug. 23, 2022

A degree in semiotics was not required to see that I was in the presence of an ironist.

From "1491" by Charles C. Mann