signatory

noun

sig·​na·​to·​ry ˈsig-nə-ˌtȯr-ē How to pronounce signatory (audio)
plural signatories
: a signer with another or others
signatories to a petition
especially : a government bound with others by a signed convention
signatory adjective

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A signatory puts his or her signature on a document that is also signed by others. In 1215 the English barons revolted against King John and forced him to join them as a signatory to the Magna Carta. This agreement stated the barons' own duties to the King but also assigned the barons clear rights and limited the King's power over them. Though the Magna Carta did nothing for the common people, it's often been called the first step toward democracy in the English-speaking countries.

Examples of signatory in a Sentence

a signatory of the Declaration of Independence
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The second, much less discussed, component required the five signatories already in possession of nuclear weapons at the time the treaty was signed (the U.S., USSR, U.K., France, and China) to work towards abolition of these terrible weapons. David Faris, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 June 2025 The signatories include: Mary Cunningham Mary Cunningham is a reporter for CBS MoneyWatch. Mary Cunningham, CBS News, 23 June 2025 That pact will inspire confidence and make peace to the extent that all signatories and other affected parties (including Israel) still trust in international law and legitimacy. Andreas Kluth, Mercury News, 28 June 2025 High-profile signatories include presenters Martine Croxall, Samira Ahmed, and Kasia Madera. Jake Kanter, Deadline, 27 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for signatory

Word History

Etymology

Latin signatorius of sealing, from signare

First Known Use

1826, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of signatory was in 1826

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Cite this Entry

“Signatory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/signatory. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.

Legal Definition

signatory

noun
sig·​na·​to·​ry ˈsig-nə-ˌtōr-ē How to pronounce signatory (audio)
plural signatories
: a signer with another or others
signatories to a petition
especially : a government bound with others by a signed convention
signatory adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on signatory

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