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

Pugh signed on as a Bulgari brand ambassador in May, and it’s already proven to be a smart decision. — Laurie Brookins, HollywoodReporter, 21 Sep. 2026

Rush, who was signed on the first day of training camp, has been a viable veteran option, and he was named the starter for Sunday’s matchup against the Panthers. — Ajc Sports, AJC.com, 20 Sep. 2026

Markets still are developing despite cautious interest Even as perennial grain development steadily improves and more farmers sign on to grow it, there still are issues with consumer interest, federal support and research infrastructure. — Joshua A. Bickel, Los Angeles Times, 19 Sep. 2026

Cal Adomitis, who was signed on Wednesday to the practice squad, likely to address the shoulder injury Tucker Addington sustained against the Raiders. — Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 18 Sep. 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