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.
Most signatories kept the same governance, incentives, and practices. Steve Denning, Forbes.com, 19 June 2026 Roberts had also reportedly written a letter to the NPG’s board about the work, which had 50 signatories, including Churchill’s grandson. Maximilíano Durón, ARTnews.com, 18 June 2026 This router is also built with security in mind, as TP-Link is a signatory of the US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency's Secure-by-Design pledge. George Yang, PC Magazine, 17 June 2026 New York City is a joint signatory to the hosting agreement with New Jersey for this World Cup, with eight games, including the final, being played at MetLife Stadium. Adam Crafton, New York Times, 16 June 2026 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 23 Jun. 2026.

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

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