countersign

1 of 2

noun (1)

coun·​ter·​sign ˈkau̇n-tər-ˌsīn 

1

: a signature attesting the authenticity of a document already signed by another

2

: a sign given in reply to another

specifically : a military secret signal that must be given by one wishing to pass a guard

countersign transitive verb

countersignature

ˌkau̇n-tər-ˈsig-nə-ˌchu̇r 

-chər, 

-ˌtyu̇r, 

-ˌtu̇r

noun

countersignature

2 of 2

noun (2)

coun·​ter·​sig·​na·​ture ˌkau̇n-tər-ˈsig-nə-ˌchu̇r 

-chər, 

-ˌt(y)u̇r

: the signature of one that countersigns

Synonyms of countersign

Noun (1)

• word
• password
• sign

Examples of countersign in a Sentence

Noun (1)

the guard demanded the countersign

Word History

Etymology

Noun (2)

from countersign entry 2, after such pairs as English sign: signature

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1591, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for countersign

• alkaline
• andesine
• anodyne
• anticline
• arginine
• asinine
• benzidine
• borderline
• byzantine
• calamine
• caroline
• centerline

Kids Definition

countersign

1 of 2 noun

coun·​ter·​sign

ˈkau̇nt-ər-ˌsīn

: a sign used in reply to another

especially : password

countersign

2 of 2 verb

: to add one's signature to a document after another has already signed it in order to confirm its genuineness

countersignature

ˌkau̇nt-ər-ˈsig-nə-ˌchu̇(ə)r, 

-chər

noun

Legal Definition

countersign

noun

coun·​ter·​sign ˈkau̇n-tər-ˌsīn 

: a signature attesting the authenticity of a document already signed by another