plural signs
1
: a piece of paper, wood, etc., with words or pictures on it that gives information about something
The sign in the store window says "OPEN."
After you get off the highway, follow the signs for Route 25.
road/street/traffic signs
He ran the stop sign.
There was a "For Sale" sign on the car.
2
: something (such as an action or event) which shows that something else exists, is true, or will happen
All the signs point to him as the guilty party.
She ignored me, which was a sure sign that she was mad at me.
"The company called me in for a second interview." "That's a good sign."
It was a bad sign that he couldn't walk on the injured leg.
There are plenty of warning signs that the company is in danger of bankruptcy.
—often + ofChest pain could be a sign of a heart attack.
We remained alert for any signs of danger.
the telltale signs of the disease
the first signs of spring
The bartender called the police at the first sign of trouble. [=as soon as there was trouble]
The runner showed signs of fatigue. [=appeared to be tired]
His writing is showing signs of improvement. [=appears to be improving]
He showed no sign of remorse.
The planet showed no signs of life. [=there was no evidence of living things on the planet]
3
: a motion, action, or movement that you use to express a thought, command, or wish
They bowed before the king as a sign of respect.
The teacher made a sign for the students to be quiet.
a picture of the president giving the thumbs-up sign
4
: any one of the hand movements that are used in sign language
—often + for
Do you know the sign for "thank you"?
the sign for the letter B
5
: a symbol that is used to represent something especially in mathematics
The symbol ÷ is the sign for division.
6
: star sign
What's your sign?
signs; signed; signing
1
a
: to write (your name) on something
Sign your name on the bottom line.
She met with fans and signed autographs.
Please sign at the bottom of the application.
Make sure you get all the details before you sign on the dotted line. [=officially agree to buy or do something by signing a document]
b
: to write your name on (something) especially to show that you accept, agree with, or will be responsible for something
You forgot to sign the document/letter/check.
He was forced to sign the confession.
The contract was signed by both parties.
The author will be signing copies of his books today.
a signed confession
The contract should be signed, sealed, and delivered by tomorrow.
The President signed the bill into law. [=made the bill a law by signing an official document]
2
a
: to hire (someone) to do something especially by having that person sign a contract
The team signed the pitcher to a three-year contract.
He is signed to a three-year contract.
The studio signed her to do another movie. = The studio signed her for another movie.
b
: to agree to work for or to produce something for an organization, business, etc., especially by signing a contract
She signed to direct two movies for the studio.
—usually + withShe signed with the studio to direct two movies.
He signed with the team for one season.
The band signed with an independent label.
3
: to communicate by using sign language
The child is learning how to sign.
She signed "please."
Cite this Entry
“Sign.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/sign. Accessed 22 Jun. 2026.
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