signature

1 of 2

noun

sig·​na·​ture ˈsig-nə-ˌchu̇r How to pronounce signature (audio)
-chər,
-ˌtyu̇r,
-ˌtu̇r
1
a
: the act of signing one's name to something
b
: the name of a person written with his or her own hand
2
: a feature in the appearance or qualities of a natural object formerly held to indicate its utility in medicine
3
a
: a letter or figure placed usually at the bottom of the first page on each sheet of printed pages (as of a book) as a direction to the binder in arranging and gathering the sheets
b
: one unit of a book comprising a group of printed sheets that are folded and stitched together
4
5
: the part of a medical prescription that contains the directions to the patient
6
: something (such as a tune, style, or logo) that serves to set apart or identify
also : a characteristic mark
7

signature

2 of 2

adjective

: closely and distinctively associated and identified with someone or something
a musician's signature style
a chef's signature dish
Pomegranate martinis made with pomegranate juice, vodka and a splash of grapefruit are becoming the hipster drink of choice, and the pomegranate margarita is the signature cocktail at Rosa Mexicano in New York City.Lisa McLaughlin

Examples of signature in a Sentence

Noun There is a place for your signature at the bottom of the form. If we can collect 200,000 signatures on our petition, then our candidate will be included on the ballot. We presented the document to the president for her signature. The bill passed and went to the governor for signature a week ago.
Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
The venue takes its name from the country star’s signature 1990 hit. Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 8 Mar. 2024 The payments appeared in campaign finance documents filed on the same day that Grisham and other leaders of the recall campaign appeared on the front steps of a downtown Oakland courthouse to submit more than 123,000 signatures in their bid to remove Price from office. Jakob Rodgers, The Mercury News, 7 Mar. 2024 Kardashian superfans can now smell like Kylie Jenner with the debut of her first-ever signature scent. Ayesha Rajan, The Hollywood Reporter, 7 Mar. 2024 After a swipe of Pillow Talk lipstick and another quick facial mist, The Gentlemen actress picks up her signature scent. Jenny Berg, Vogue, 7 Mar. 2024 If the Senate, which has a 20-18 split among Democrats and Republicans, were to pass the bills this year, they would be poised to advance to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's desk for her signature. Arpan Lobo, Detroit Free Press, 7 Mar. 2024 That is, a planet with only a few times more lightning than Earth might have its ozone signatures hidden by the effects of lightning. Popular Science, 7 Mar. 2024 The bodice featured Gold Chanel logo buttons, and the dress straps and belt were made of the brand's signature tweed. Bailey Richards, Peoplemag, 25 Feb. 2024 Now considered his signature song, it's gone seven times platinum and been streamed more than a billion times on Spotify. The Arizona Republic, 25 Feb. 2024
Adjective
Aside from signature Rivian touches like its headlights, the R3 looks like a classic sporty hatchback. Mark Phelan, Detroit Free Press, 7 Mar. 2024 Its stores have always added a spark of joy for shoppers, whether in the kid’s ball room or with its signature Swedish meatballs. Pamela N. Danziger, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2024 For the latter, Pape suggests investing in a pair of espadrilles — a signature Spanish creation. Chadner Navarro, Travel + Leisure, 27 Feb. 2024 Rendang is a signature Indonesian dish of beef cheeks slow braised in coconut milk and warm spices until unctuous and juicy. Journal Sentinel, 23 Jan. 2024 Starring the likes of Patrick Dempsey, Addison Rae, and Milo Manheim, Thanksgiving delivers a fresh take on horror that perfectly blends nail-biting scares with the director’s signature offbeat humor. Travis Bean, Forbes, 12 Feb. 2024 And the best part is the signature Italian hospitality: laid-back and friendly, with delicious, fresh seafood pasta available at a moment’s notice. Hannah Seligson, Travel + Leisure, 9 Feb. 2024 Enjoy a cooking demonstration of fresh ceviche, a signature Peruvian dish of raw fish marinated in citrus juice. The Bon Appétit Staff & Contributors, Bon Appétit, 7 Feb. 2024 With classic fashion sense mixed with progressive performance spirit, Hall made taking the title in a notoriously cutthroat competition look easy with her signature comedic chops, unique runways, and commitment to representing—and honoring—Black excellence across the board. Joey Nolfi, EW.com, 5 Dec. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'signature.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle French or Medieval Latin; Middle French, from Medieval Latin signatura, from Latin signatus, past participle of signare to sign, seal

First Known Use

Noun

1547, in the meaning defined at sense 3b

Adjective

1929, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of signature was in 1547

Dictionary Entries Near signature

Cite this Entry

“Signature.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/signature. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

signature

noun
sig·​na·​ture ˈsig-nə-ˌchu̇(ə)r How to pronounce signature (audio)
-chər
1
: the name of a person written by that person
2
: a notation used in music to indicate the key or the rhythm

Medical Definition

signature

noun
1
: a feature in the appearance or qualities of a natural object formerly held to indicate its utility in medicine either because of a fancied resemblance to a body part (as a heart-shaped leaf indicating utility in heart disease) or because of a presumed relation to some phase of a disease (as the prickly nature of thistle indicating utility in case of a stitch in the side)
2
: the part of a medical prescription which contains the directions to the patient

Legal Definition

signature

noun
sig·​na·​ture
1
a
: the act of signing one's name or of making a mark in lieu thereof
b
: the name of a person written with his or her own hand to signify that the writing which precedes accords with his or her wishes or intentions
c
: a mark (as initials, stamp, or printed name) made on a document and intended to serve as an indication of the party's execution or authentication of the document and intent to be bound by it see also private signature
2
: a distinguishing or identifying mark, feature, or quality
especially : a distinctive method of committing a crime that is characteristic of an offender

More from Merriam-Webster on signature

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