signifier

noun

sig·​ni·​fi·​er ˈsig-nə-ˌfī(-ə)r 

1

: one that signifies

2

: a symbol, sound, or image (such as a word) that represents an underlying concept or meaning compare signified

Examples of signifier in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

City of Careless Angels is uneven, sprinkled with boilerplate indie signifiers and sometimes juvenile fixations on heartbreak. —Donald Morrison, Pitchfork, 14 Apr. 2026

But when rates jumped with inflation in the aftermath of the pandemic, monthly mortgage costs also rose for buyers and affording a home, a signifier of middle class status, became a top concern for voters under 40. —Josh Boak, Fortune, 14 Apr. 2026

But when rates jumped with inflation in the aftermath of the pandemic, monthly mortgage costs also rose for buyers and affording a home, a signifier of middle class status, became a top concern for voters under 40. —ABC News, 13 Apr. 2026

If Rob Manfred were to wake up tomorrow morning and decide to do away with the seventh-inning stretch, untold amounts of swearing and freaking out would ensue, even though the origins of the practice are murky and the exercise itself is largely an empty signifier. —Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 10 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1532, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for signifier

• amplifier
• clarifier
• classifier
• gasifier
• magnifier
• modifier
• multiplier
• occupier
• pacifier
• purifier
• qualifier
• quantifier