sign
syn
Sign (noun) means a visible indication that something exists, is happening, or is about to happen. Example: “Yawning in class can be a sign that someone did not sleep well.”
noun
1
A visible indication that something exists, is happening, or is about to happen.
"Yawning in class can be a sign that someone did not sleep well."
"Dark clouds are a sign that rain is coming."
"A fever can be a sign of infection."
2
A board, notice, or symbol displaying information, directions, or a warning.
"A road sign warned drivers to slow down because of the sharp bend."
"We followed the green sign towards the car park."
"The sign at the entrance said the shop was closed."
verb
1
To write one's name on a document to show agreement, authorship, or identity.
"Could you sign here to confirm that you received the parcel?"
"Please sign the contract on the last page."
"The club signed the striker on a three-year deal."
2
To communicate using gestures, especially in sign language.
"He learned to sign so he could chat with his deaf grandmother."
"Across the noisy hall, she signed to her friend that it was time to go."
"She signed a quick "thank you" to the interpreter."
How to use sign
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomething that points to a fact or event, a notice board, or the act of writing your name to confirm something.
Common pairings
sign a contract
sign of trouble
road sign
sign language
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Word forms
- Plural
- signs
- Third person singular
- signs
- Past tense
- signed
- Archaic forms
- signedst, signest, signeth
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Yawning in class can be a _____ that someone did not sleep well.
Etymology
From Old French signe and Old English seġn, both going back to Latin signum ("mark, token").
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “sign” mean?
The word “sign” means a visible indication that something exists, is happening, or is about to happen. In plain terms, something that points to a fact or event, a notice board, or the act of writing your name to confirm something.
How do you pronounce “sign”?
“Sign” is pronounced syn (/saɪn/ in IPA).
How do you use “sign” in a sentence?
Here is “sign” used in a sentence: “Dark clouds are a sign that rain is coming.”
What part of speech is “sign”?
Depending on how it is used, “sign” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “sign” come from?
The word “sign” comes from Latin. From Old French signe and Old English seġn, both going back to Latin signum ("mark, token").
Is “sign” a common word?
“Sign” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
How many meanings does “sign” have?
“Sign” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a visible indication that something exists, is happening, or is about to happen.
What is the difference between a sign and a symbol?
A sign points directly to the existence or occurrence of something — smoke is a sign of fire, and a limp is a sign of injury. A symbol stands for something else by agreement or convention — a dove symbolises peace, a heart love. Signs indicate; symbols represent by shared meaning.
What is the difference between a sign and a symptom?
A sign is outward evidence that anyone can observe, such as a rash, a footprint or dark clouds. A symptom is something only the affected person can feel, like pain, dizziness or nausea. In medicine especially, signs are visible to others while symptoms are experienced privately by the patient.
What is an example of a sign?
Everyday examples include smoke as a sign of fire, dark clouds as a sign of coming rain, a limp as a sign of injury, or falling leaves as a sign of autumn. In each case, one visible thing reveals that something exists, is happening, or is about to happen.
What are the main types of signs?
Broadly, there are natural signs and conventional signs. Natural signs occur without anyone intending them — footprints, storm clouds or a fever. Conventional signs are agreed on by people, such as a thumbs-up, a nod or a red light. Both work by pointing beyond themselves to something else.
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