sign on

verb

signed on; signing on; signs on

intransitive verb

1

: to engage oneself by or as if by a signature

signed on to the new project

2

: to announce the start of broadcasting for the day

sign-on

ˈsī-ˌnȯn 

-ˌnän

noun

Synonyms of sign on

• sign up (for)
• join
• enter
• enroll (in)
• rejoin
• enlist (in)

Examples of sign on in a Sentence

I signed on for the crew team simply as a lark

Recent Examples on the Web

These are players Newcastle United attempted to sign on multiple occasions — or at the very least held a long-term interest in — but who never actually made the move to St James’ Park. — Chris Waugh, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2026

During her tenure, major household names that inked deals include Peloton, New Balance, Reebok, Coach, Skechers and Nike, and individual teams signed on Sephora, Off-White, Rakuten, Neutrogena, Away, Pinterest and Spotify. — Wwd Staff, Footwear News, 14 Sep. 2026

Moody saw the production at the Fringe two years ago, and loved it enough to sign on as a producer. — Rebecca Rosman, NPR, 14 Sep. 2026

But after sending it to filmmaker friends Colin Trevorrow and Lilly Wachowski — who each signed on as producers — the production process began in earnest. — Mia Galuppo, HollywoodReporter, 11 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1879, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for sign on

• anton
• argon
• axon
• baronne
• baryon
• baton
• boron
• buisson
• bygone
• capon
• cardon
• chiffon

Kids Definition

sign on

verb

(ˈ)sī-ˈnȯn, 

-ˈnän

1

: to hire oneself by or as if by a signature

signed on as a member of the crew

2

: to announce the beginning of broadcasting