signature

1 of 2

noun

sig·​na·​ture ˈsig-nə-ˌchu̇r 

-chər,

-ˌtyu̇r,

-ˌtu̇r

1

a

: the act of signing one's name to something

b

: the name of a person written with his or her own hand

2

: a feature in the appearance or qualities of a natural object formerly held to indicate its utility in medicine

3

a

: a letter or figure placed usually at the bottom of the first page on each sheet of printed pages (as of a book) as a direction to the binder in arranging and gathering the sheets

b

: one unit of a book comprising a group of printed sheets that are folded and stitched together

4

a

: key signature

b

: time signature

5

: the part of a medical prescription that contains the directions to the patient

6

: something (such as a tune, style, or logo) that serves to set apart or identify

also : a characteristic mark

7

: fingerprint sense 2

signature

2 of 2

adjective

: closely and distinctively associated and identified with someone or something

a musician's signature style

a chef's signature dish

Pomegranate martinis made with pomegranate juice, vodka and a splash of grapefruit are becoming the hipster drink of choice, and the pomegranate margarita is the signature cocktail at Rosa Mexicano in New York City.

—Lisa McLaughlin

Synonyms

Noun

• autograph
• hand
• John Hancock

Examples of signature in a Sentence

Noun

There is a place for your signature at the bottom of the form.

If we can collect 200,000 signatures on our petition, then our candidate will be included on the ballot.

We presented the document to the president for her signature.

The bill passed and went to the governor for signature a week ago.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Franked mail once allowed members of Congress to avoid using postage and to send mail under their signature. —Danielle Battaglia, Charlotte Observer, 25 Apr. 2024

Lawyers demand candidates step down voluntarily Webb made similar claims to both Buckland and Mundt that the 18-year-old signature collector forged a number of signatures. —Maritza Dominguez, The Arizona Republic, 24 Apr. 2024

The group has raised nearly $5 million and supporters have just more than a week to gather enough signatures to place the measure on the ballot — likely in November. —Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 24 Apr. 2024

Michael Kors recently tapped pregnant model Grace Elizabeth for its limited-edition Mother’s Day capsule collection campaign characterized by silver and crystal detailing like that seen on the signature three-inch Tessa Mule ($175). —Brande Victorian, The Hollywood Reporter, 24 Apr. 2024

One awaiting the governor's signature would involuntarily commit certain criminal defendants for inpatient treatment and temporarily remove their gun rights if they are ruled incompetent for trial due to intellectual disability or mental illness. —CBS News, 23 Apr. 2024

On Tuesday, advocates submitted to the city more than 1,500 signatures needed to bring a measure to cap rent increases and add renter protections before voters. —Ethan Varian, The Mercury News, 23 Apr. 2024

Hence, Prepared Food Photos has dedicated itself to protecting this currency for its clients, ensuring that the exclusive images chosen to market the signature items supermarkets rely on to distinguish their brand remain distinctive and valuable. —Jon Stojan, Detroit Free Press, 12 Apr. 2024

Solidly red Utah is the lone state where Kennedy has officially qualified to run as an independent for the 2024 election, though his campaign has touted collecting enough signatures in several others. —Joey Garrison, USA TODAY, 12 Apr. 2024

Adjective

The week was supposed to be capped off Jan. 27 at Tropicana Field in Tampa, Florida, where the company was to host one of its signature annual events, the Royal Rumble. —Alex Weprin, The Hollywood Reporter, 7 Feb. 2024

Drag king Official bio: Jarvis Hammer not only brings a stunning ghostly visual aesthetic to all of his drag looks, but also delivers fabulous performances showcasing his signature comedic styling. —Joey Nolfi, EW.com, 3 Oct. 2023

Aside from signature Rivian touches like its headlights, the R3 looks like a classic sporty hatchback. —Mark Phelan, Detroit Free Press, 7 Mar. 2024

Its stores have always added a spark of joy for shoppers, whether in the kid’s ball room or with its signature Swedish meatballs. —Pamela N. Danziger, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2024

For the latter, Pape suggests investing in a pair of espadrilles — a signature Spanish creation. —Chadner Navarro, Travel + Leisure, 27 Feb. 2024

Rendang is a signature Indonesian dish of beef cheeks slow braised in coconut milk and warm spices until unctuous and juicy. —Journal Sentinel, 23 Jan. 2024

Starring the likes of Patrick Dempsey, Addison Rae, and Milo Manheim, Thanksgiving delivers a fresh take on horror that perfectly blends nail-biting scares with the director’s signature offbeat humor. —Travis Bean, Forbes, 12 Feb. 2024

And the best part is the signature Italian hospitality: laid-back and friendly, with delicious, fresh seafood pasta available at a moment’s notice. —Hannah Seligson, Travel + Leisure, 9 Feb. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle French or Medieval Latin; Middle French, from Medieval Latin signatura, from Latin signatus, past participle of signare to sign, seal

First Known Use

Noun

1547, in the meaning defined at sense 3b

Adjective

1929, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing signature

• key signature
• time signature

Kids Definition

signature

noun

sig·​na·​ture ˈsig-nə-ˌchu̇(ə)r 

-chər

1

: the name of a person written by that person

2

: a notation used in music to indicate the key or the rhythm

Medical Definition

signature

noun

sig·​na·​ture ˈsig-nə-ˌchu̇(ə)r, -chər, -ˌt(y)u̇(ə)r 

1

: a feature in the appearance or qualities of a natural object formerly held to indicate its utility in medicine either because of a fancied resemblance to a body part (as a heart-shaped leaf indicating utility in heart disease) or because of a presumed relation to some phase of a disease (as the prickly nature of thistle indicating utility in case of a stitch in the side)

2

: the part of a medical prescription which contains the directions to the patient

Legal Definition

signature

noun

sig·​na·​ture

1

a

: the act of signing one's name or of making a mark in lieu thereof

b

: the name of a person written with his or her own hand to signify that the writing which precedes accords with his or her wishes or intentions

c

: a mark (as initials, stamp, or printed name) made on a document and intended to serve as an indication of the party's execution or authentication of the document and intent to be bound by it see also private signature

2

: a distinguishing or identifying mark, feature, or quality

especially : a distinctive method of committing a crime that is characteristic of an offender