sign on

verb

signed on; signing on; signs on

intransitive verb

1

: to engage oneself by or as if by a signature

signed on to the new project

2

: to announce the start of broadcasting for the day

sign-on

ˈsī-ˌnȯn 

-ˌnän

noun

Synonyms of sign on

• sign up (for)
• join
• enter
• enroll (in)
• rejoin
• enlist (in)

Examples of sign on in a Sentence

I signed on for the crew team simply as a lark

Recent Examples on the Web

Additionally, owning Imax would provide any filmmaker that signed on to work with Netflix the opportunity for premium theatrical runs. — Sarah Whitten, CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026

Overall, fall camp has provided encouraging signs on both sides of the ball as the Panthers approach the start of the regular season. — Alejandro Hernandez, Miami Herald, 28 Aug. 2026

Netflix offered to sign on immediately after reading the script, according to Lee, and guaranteed the director artistic autonomy. — David Canfield, HollywoodReporter, 27 Aug. 2026

Still, for the most part, the Sharks now have their nucleus together, with the biggest part, Celebrini, signed on for five more seasons after this one. — Curtis Pashelka, Mercury News, 27 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1879, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for sign on

• anton
• argon
• axon
• baronne
• baryon
• baton
• boron
• buisson
• bygone
• capon
• cardon
• chiffon

Kids Definition

sign on

verb

(ˈ)sī-ˈnȯn, 

-ˈnän

1

: to hire oneself by or as if by a signature

signed on as a member of the crew

2

: to announce the beginning of broadcasting