SINCE 1828

An Encyclopædia Britannica Company

signifying

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noun sig·ni·fy·ing \ ˈsig-nə-ˌfī-iŋ \

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

Recent Examples of signifying from 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

Learn More about signifying

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for signifying Nglish: Translation of signifying for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of signifying for Arabic speakers

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up signifying? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

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WORD OF THE DAY

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to curse or denounce

BROWSE DICTIONARY

signifier

signify

signifying

sign in

sign into law

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