signifier

noun

sig·​ni·​fi·​er ˈsig-nə-ˌfī(-ə)r 

1

: one that signifies

2

: a symbol, sound, or image (such as a word) that represents an underlying concept or meaning compare signified

Examples of signifier in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Members wear 33 pins on their shirts or 33 studs in their ears as signifiers; others choose an Instagram handle that ends in the number. —Justine Harman, Vulture, 6 Feb. 2025

Sure, the movie eventually stumbles across a variety of recognizable genre signifiers (an ominous circle of mushrooms, a row of bushes that ward off local spirits, a puddle that shudders while the rest of the world lies still, etc.), but only after it’s set its terms on a more elemental level. —David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 25 Jan. 2025

Being a proud American has moved back to being a cultural signifier. —Dan Perry, Newsweek, 26 Nov. 2024

Inspired by the alt-mainstream bridge-builder Lana Del Rey, Taylor Swift and her protégés have started to employ indie-rock producers to furnish them with classic signifiers of authenticity. —Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 2 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1532, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for signifier

• amplifier
• clarifier
• classifier
• gasifier
• magnifier
• modifier
• multiplier
• occupier
• pacifier
• purifier
• qualifier
• quantifier