signature
SIHG-nuh-chuh
Signature (noun) means a person's name written by their own hand, used to confirm identity or approval. Example: “Please put your signature at the bottom of the form.”
noun
1
A person's name written by their own hand, used to confirm identity or approval.
"Please put your signature at the bottom of the form."
"The postman asked me for a signature when he delivered the parcel."
"The cheque needed her signature before it could be cashed."
2
A distinctive feature or style that identifies someone or something.
"A husky voice is her signature, and fans recognise it instantly."
"The bakery's signature is a crunchy crust with a soft, sweet middle."
"The chef is known for his signature dessert."
adj
1
Distinctive and closely associated with a particular person or thing.
"The band played their signature song at the end of the concert."
"His signature style is bright socks with every suit."
"She wore her signature red lipstick to every event."
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".
Common pairings
sign your signature
signature dish
signature move
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Word forms
- Plural
- signatures
- Third person singular
- signatures
- Past tense
- signatured
- Comparative
- more signature
- Superlative
- most signature
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Please put your _____ at the bottom of the form.
Etymology
From Medieval Latin signatura, from Latin signare ("to sign, mark"), from signum ("sign").
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.
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