signify

verb

sig·​ni·​fy ˈsig-nə-ˌfī How to pronounce signify (audio)
signified; signifying

transitive verb

1
a
: to be a sign of : mean
b
: imply
2
: to show especially by a conventional token (such as word, signal, or gesture)

intransitive verb

1
: to have significance : matter
it will not much signify what one wearsJane Austen
2
: to engage in signifying

Did you know?

Signify basically means "to make a sign or signal". One of its synonyms is indicate; the index finger is the finger you point with, so to indicate is essentially to point to something. Significant means "important" and significance means "importance;" similarly, insignificant means "unimportant" and insignificance means "lack of importance".

Examples of signify in a Sentence

A check mark next to your name signifies that you have met all the requirements. The recent decline of the stock market does not necessarily signify the start of a recession. He gave her a diamond ring to signify his love. Whether he agrees or not does not signify.
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.
Today's the beginning of the Dry January campaign, signified by the color yellow. Maria Leontaras, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025 Its streamlined profile, outsole made for smooth transitions (courtesy of the segmented crash pad), and midsole that adapts to your unique speed and stride are all elements that signify the brand’s devotion to high-quality craftsmanship. Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 1 July 2025 For the last four-quarter period, F5’s Net Income was $621 million—signifying a high Net Income Margin of 21.1% (compared to 11.6% for the S&P 500) Is F5 Financially Stable? F5’s balance sheet appears very solid. Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025 This breakout pattern is the most basic buy signal in the point & figure methodology, signifying that a new uptrend has broken above the upper bounds of the previous uptrend phase. David Keller, CNBC, 26 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for signify

Word History

Etymology

Middle English signifien, from Anglo-French signifier, from Latin significare to indicate, signify, from signum sign

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of signify was in the 13th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Signify.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/signify. Accessed 9 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

signify

verb
sig·​ni·​fy ˈsig-nə-ˌfī How to pronounce signify (audio)
signified; signifying
1
2
: to show especially by a sign : make known
signified their agreement by nodding
3
: to have importance : matter
doesn't signify much what you wear

More from Merriam-Webster on signify

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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