signature

1 of 2

noun

sig·​na·​ture ˈsig-nə-ˌchu̇r 

-chər,

-ˌtyu̇r,

-ˌtu̇r

1

a

: the act of signing one's name to something

b

: the name of a person written with his or her own hand

2

: a feature in the appearance or qualities of a natural object formerly held to indicate its utility in medicine

3

a

: a letter or figure placed usually at the bottom of the first page on each sheet of printed pages (as of a book) as a direction to the binder in arranging and gathering the sheets

b

: one unit of a book comprising a group of printed sheets that are folded and stitched together

4

a

: key signature

b

: time signature

5

: the part of a medical prescription that contains the directions to the patient

6

: something (such as a tune, style, or logo) that serves to set apart or identify

also : a characteristic mark

7

: fingerprint sense 2

signature

2 of 2

adjective

: closely and distinctively associated and identified with someone or something

a musician's signature style

a chef's signature dish

Pomegranate martinis made with pomegranate juice, vodka and a splash of grapefruit are becoming the hipster drink of choice, and the pomegranate margarita is the signature cocktail at Rosa Mexicano in New York City.

—Lisa McLaughlin

Synonyms

Noun

• autograph
• hand
• John Hancock

Examples of signature in a Sentence

Noun

There is a place for your signature at the bottom of the form.

If we can collect 200,000 signatures on our petition, then our candidate will be included on the ballot.

We presented the document to the president for her signature.

The bill passed and went to the governor for signature a week ago.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Some of the items include their Oversized Long Sleeve shirt, which adds thumbholes to the sleeves for athletic activity, and offers a new set of colorways to the collection—from army green to ash gray, and a flat white to their signature black. —Nadja Sayej, Forbes, 28 Nov. 2023

Apart from their hefty sound signature, these headphones have some great features, including available EQ if the low end gets out of hand. —Parker Hall, WIRED, 28 Nov. 2023

This year’s Macy’s Cyber Deals are studded with markdowns on perfumes at every price point, from Juicy Couture’s fruity Viva La Juicy gift set (a perfect gift for teenage girls) to Mugler’s woody, brand-new Angel Elixir to Jimmy Choo's signature scent. —Shanna Shipin, Glamour, 27 Nov. 2023

The goal was to manipulate daylight and volume, a signature of the firm. —Emma Reynolds, Robb Report, 27 Nov. 2023

And those gathered did just that despite the uninvited, blustery presence of Los Angeles’ signature Santa Ana winds. —Gail Mitchell, Billboard, 27 Nov. 2023

Built with the brand’s signature DynaSoft midsoles, these shoes are designed with breathability and performance in mind. —Alexandra Domrongchai, Travel + Leisure, 26 Nov. 2023

Every human body is host to a wide array of acoustic and tonal signatures. —Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 16 Nov. 2023

The bill now goes to President Biden for his signature. —Paul Kiernan, WSJ, 16 Nov. 2023

Adjective

With her newly shorn hair, Hill decided to emulate Linda Evangelista for the British brand’s takeover of Temple Bar, highlighting the chameleonic model’s signature androgynous look. —Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 15 Nov. 2023

Here are some signature Phuket dishes that will instantly transport you there. —Krista Simmons, Sunset Magazine, 25 Aug. 2023

The brand is known for its signature comfy fabrics, and its Luvstretch collection, in particular, is designed with a soft and flexible material that moves with you ( these joggers, for example) — a must for highly active long days. —Lauren Fischer, Travel + Leisure, 30 Sep. 2023

Luggage and bags Away: Through September 4, travelers can save 15 percent on all four of Away’s signature original luggage. —Meaghan Kenny, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Aug. 2023

The Cabazon Dinosaurs posted photos on its social media pages of Mr. Rex painted in Pee-wee's signature gray suit, white shirt, red bow tie and white shoes on Tuesday night. —Brian Blueskye, USA TODAY, 3 Aug. 2023

For the sporting event, Grande, 30, blended her signature feminine style with athletic comfort. —Carrie Wittmer, Glamour, 17 July 2023

Image: OnePlus Like the Nord 2T, the Nord 3’s maximum fast-charging speed is 80W, which OnePlus claims will charge the phone’s 5,000mAh battery from 1 to 60 percent in 15 minutes, and there’s a physical alert slider included for good measure (a signature OnePlus inclusion). —Jon Porter, The Verge, 5 July 2023

His performances of a broad swath of repertoire — his signature Italian operas in concert, Beethoven symphonies, world premieres, rarities of the past, Mozart, Schubert, Bruckner, Florence Price, Philip Glass — have been pristine yet intense, powerful yet graceful. —Zachary Woolfe, New York Times, 17 June 2023

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Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle French or Medieval Latin; Middle French, from Medieval Latin signatura, from Latin signatus, past participle of signare to sign, seal

First Known Use

Noun

1547, in the meaning defined at sense 3b

Adjective

1929, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing signature

• time signature
• key signature

• time signature
• key signature

Kids Definition

signature

noun

sig·​na·​ture ˈsig-nə-ˌchu̇(ə)r 

-chər

1

: the name of a person written by that person

2

: a notation used in music to indicate the key or the rhythm

Medical Definition

signature

noun

sig·​na·​ture ˈsig-nə-ˌchu̇(ə)r, -chər, -ˌt(y)u̇(ə)r 

1

: a feature in the appearance or qualities of a natural object formerly held to indicate its utility in medicine either because of a fancied resemblance to a body part (as a heart-shaped leaf indicating utility in heart disease) or because of a presumed relation to some phase of a disease (as the prickly nature of thistle indicating utility in case of a stitch in the side)

2

: the part of a medical prescription which contains the directions to the patient

Legal Definition

signature

noun

sig·​na·​ture

1

a

: the act of signing one's name or of making a mark in lieu thereof

b

: the name of a person written with his or her own hand to signify that the writing which precedes accords with his or her wishes or intentions

c

: a mark (as initials, stamp, or printed name) made on a document and intended to serve as an indication of the party's execution or authentication of the document and intent to be bound by it see also private signature

2

: a distinguishing or identifying mark, feature, or quality

especially : a distinctive method of committing a crime that is characteristic of an offender