Dictionary Home » Dictionary Definitions » sign

sign

Listen See in Thesaurus See in a sentence

A sign is anything that shows a meaning, a mark used as an abbreviation or shortening of something or a publicly displayed board. (noun)

An example of sign is a symbol from a loved one who has passed.
An example of sign is a thumbs up for a good job.
An example of sign is an advertisement for a sale.

Sign means to put a written signature on something, to make with a signature or symbol or to communicate in sign language. (verb)

An example of sign is to put a signature on a job application.
An example of sign is to do the motions to, "In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit."
An example of sign is a member of the deaf community communicating with another member of the community.

See sign in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

something that indicates a fact, quality, etc.; indication; token: black as a sign of mourning
1. a gesture or motion that conveys information, gives a command, etc.: a nod as a sign of approval
2. any of the gestures used in sign language
3. sign language (sense )
a mark or symbol having an accepted and specific meaning, as the sign ¢ for cent(s)
any linguistic unit, as a word, letter, etc., that is the symbol of an idea, function, etc.
a publicly displayed board, placard, etc. bearing information, advertising, a warning, etc.
☆ anything marking the trail of an animal, as footprints
any visible trace or indication: the signs of spring
1. an act or happening regarded as a manifestation of divine will or power
2. an omen; portent
sign of the zodiac
Med. an objective indication or symptom of a disease

transitive verb

to mark with a sign, esp. with the sign of the cross, as in blessing
to write one's name on, as in acknowledging authorship, authorizing action, etc.
to write (one's name) as a signature
to engage by written contract; sign on
Now Rare to indicate or express by a sign; signal
to communicate (thoughts, ideas, etc.) by using the sign language of the deaf

intransitive verb

to write one's signature, as in attesting or confirming something
to make a sign; signal; also, specif., to use the sign language of the deaf

Related Forms:

signer noun

See sign in American Heritage Dictionary 4

(sīn)

noun

Something that suggests the presence or existence of a fact, condition, or quality.
a. An act or gesture used to convey an idea, a desire, information, or a command: gave the go-ahead sign.
b. Sign language.
a. A displayed structure bearing lettering or symbols, used to identify or advertise a place of business: a motel with a flashing neon sign outside.
b. A posted notice bearing a designation, direction, or command: an EXIT sign above a door; a traffic sign.
A conventional figure or device that stands for a word, phrase, or operation; a symbol, as in mathematics or in musical notation.
pl. sign sign An indicator, such as a dropping or footprint, of the trail of an animal: looking for deer sign.
A trace or vestige: no sign of life.
A portentous incident or event; a presage: took the eclipse as a sign from God.
A body manifestation that serves to indicate the presence of malfunction or disease.
One of the 12 divisions of the zodiac, each named for a constellation and represented by a symbol.

verb signed signed, sign·ing, signs

verb, transitive

To affix one's signature to.
To write (one's signature).
To approve or ratify (a document) by affixing a signature, seal, or other mark: sign a bill into law.
To hire or engage by obtaining a signature on a contract: signed a rookie pitcher for next season; sign up actors for a tour.
To relinquish or transfer title to by signature: signed away all her claims to the estate.
To provide with a sign or signs: sign a new highway.
To communicate with a sign or signs: signed his approval with a nod.
To express (a word or thought, for example) by sign language: signed her reply to the question.
To consecrate with the sign of the cross.

verb, intransitive

To make a sign or signs; signal.
To use sign language.
To write one's signature.

Phrasal Verbs: sign in To record the arrival of another or oneself by signing a register. sign off To announce the end of a communication; conclude. To stop transmission after identifying the broadcasting station. Informal To express approval formally or conclusively: got the Congress to sign off on the tax proposal. sign on Informal To enlist oneself, especially as an employee: “Retired politicians often sign on with top-dollar law firms” (New York Times). To start transmission with an identification of the broadcasting station. sign out To record the departure of another or oneself by signing a register. sign up To agree to be a participant or recipient by signing one's name; enlist: signed up for military service; signing up for a pottery course.

Related Forms: