signifying

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

Examples of signifying in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web False jollity and overenthusiastic signifying do not fill in the gaps between ideas. — New York Times, "Bringing Out the Best of Sondheim, Herman and … Schraubstader?," 3 Feb. 2021 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.