countersign

noun

coun·​ter·​sign ˈkau̇n-tər-ˌsīn 

1

: a signature attesting the authenticity of a document already signed by another

2

: a sign given in reply to another

specifically : a military secret signal that must be given by one wishing to pass a guard

countersign transitive verb

countersignature

ˌkau̇n-tər-ˈsig-nə-ˌchu̇r 

-chər

-ˌtyu̇r

-ˌtu̇r

noun

Synonyms

• password
• watchword
• word

Examples of countersign in a Sentence

the guard demanded the countersign

Recent Examples on the Web

Blue dot signs have inspired Republican countersigns. —Christina Elizabeth Dando, The Conversation, 22 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1591, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

countersign

1 of 2 noun

coun·​ter·​sign

ˈkau̇nt-ər-ˌsīn

: a sign used in reply to another

especially : password

countersign

2 of 2 verb

: to add one's signature to a document after another has already signed it in order to confirm its genuineness

countersignature

ˌkau̇nt-ər-ˈsig-nə-ˌchu̇(ə)r

-chər

noun

Legal Definition

countersign

noun

coun·​ter·​sign ˈkau̇n-tər-ˌsīn 

: a signature attesting the authenticity of a document already signed by another