signature

1 of 2

noun

sig·​na·​ture ˈsig-nə-ˌchu̇r 

-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

a

: key signature

b

: time signature

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

: fingerprint sense 2

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

Synonyms

Noun

• autograph
• hand
• John Hancock

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

To be clear: Immigration is perhaps President Joe Biden’s signature failure. —Bloomberg Opinion, Twin Cities, 13 June 2024

At the Chanel event, stars like Holmes, Selma Blair, and Camila Mendes all slipped into the label’s signature tweeds, from skirt suits to dresses. —Christian Allaire, Vogue, 12 June 2024

Adjective

The brand’s signature scarf prints and fringe were still there, but the overall effect was more haute night crawler than equestrian, down to the leather paperboy caps. —Vanessa Friedman, New York Times, 7 June 2024

The menu makes for speedy reading: there are only four options, including the signature Gaonera taco. —Rebecca Messina, theweek, 22 May 2024

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

Phrases Containing signature

• key signature
• time signature

Kids Definition

signature

noun

sig·​na·​ture ˈsig-nə-ˌchu̇(ə)r 

-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

sig·​na·​ture ˈsig-nə-ˌchu̇(ə)r, -chər, -ˌt(y)u̇(ə)r 

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