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signifying

noun
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sig·​ni·​fy·​ing | \ ˈsig-nə-ˌfī-iŋ How to pronounce signifying (audio) \

Definition of signifying

: a good-natured needling or goading especially among urban blacks by means of indirect gibes and clever often preposterous put-downs also : dozens

Examples of signifying in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web His millennial-friendly update to such signifying was to rebrand it all as a personal affirmation. — Chris Martins, Billboard, "DJ Khaled: How Hard Work & Humility (Plus Assists From Drake & Bieber) Put Him on Top," 8 June 2017 The running back from Louisiana State, who was chosen in the first round by the Jacksonville Jaguars, kept it simple in a dark blue suit and red tie, letting his fearsome-looking under-beard do the signifying. — Steven Kurutz, New York Times, "The Peacocks of N.F.L. Draft Night," 28 Apr. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'signifying.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of signifying

1929, in the meaning defined above

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The first known use of signifying was in 1929

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Cite this Entry

“Signifying.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/signifying. Accessed 29 May. 2020.

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More from Merriam-Webster on signifying

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for signifying

Nglish: Translation of signifying for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of signifying for Arabic Speakers

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