signature
Signature (noun) means a person's name written by their own hand, used to confirm identity or approval. Example: “The cheque needed her signature before it could be cashed.”
How to use signature
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishYour handwritten name used to confirm something, or, as an adjective, something typical and instantly recognisable as "yours".
Word forms
more signature comparative, signatured past tense, signatures plural, signatures singular, most signature superlative
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The cheque needed her _____ before it could be cashed.
Etymology
From Medieval Latin signatura, from Latin signare ("to sign, mark"), from signum ("sign").
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for signature
See all rhymes for signature →Frequently asked questions
What does “signature” mean?
The word “signature” means a person's name written by their own hand, used to confirm identity or approval. In plain terms, your handwritten name used to confirm something, or, as an adjective, something typical and instantly recognisable as "yours".
How do you pronounce “signature”?
“Signature” is pronounced SIHG-nuh-chuh (/ˈsɪɡ.nə.t͡ʃɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “signature” in a sentence?
Here is “signature” used in a sentence: “The cheque needed her signature before it could be cashed.”
What part of speech is “signature”?
Depending on how it is used, “signature” can be a noun and an adjective.
Where does the word “signature” come from?
The word “signature” comes from Medieval Latin. From Medieval Latin signatura, from Latin signare ("to sign, mark"), from signum ("sign").
Is “signature” a common word?
“Signature” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “signature” have?
“Signature” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a person's name written by their own hand, used to confirm identity or approval.
What is the difference between a signature and an autograph?
A signature is your name in your own hand used to confirm identity or approval, such as on a contract. An autograph is a famous person's name given as a keepsake or souvenir, with no legal purpose.
What is the difference between a signature and initials?
A signature is your full name written by hand to confirm approval. Initials are only the first letters of your names, often used to acknowledge specific points rather than to sign a whole document.
What are common phrases that use signature?
Everyday collocations include signature dish, signature style, digital signature, and to forge a signature. These cover both the handwritten name and the distinctive-feature meanings.
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include signature: