autograph

American  

[aw-tuh-graf, -grahf] / ˈɔ təˌgræf, -ˌgrɑf /

noun

1. a person's own signature.

   He collects autographs of artists.

2. something written in a person's own hand, as a manuscript or letter.

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adjective

1. written by a person's own hand.

   an autograph letter.

2. containing autographs.

   an autograph album.

verb (used with object)

1. to write one's name on or in; sign.

   to autograph a book.

2. to write with one's own hand.

autograph British  

/ ˈɔːtəˌɡrɑːf, -ˌɡræf, ˌɔːtəˈɡræfɪk /

noun

1. 1. a handwritten signature, esp that of a famous person

   2. ( as modifier )

      an autograph album

2. a person's handwriting

3. 1. a book, document, etc, handwritten by its author; original manuscript; holograph

   2. ( as modifier )

      an autograph letter

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verb

1. to write one's signature on or in; sign

2. to write with one's own hand

Other Word Forms

• autographic
  adjective
• autographical
  adjective
• autographically
  adverb
• unautographed
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of autograph

1630–40; < Latin autographum, noun use of neuter of Latin autographus written with one's own hand < Greek autógraphos. See auto- ¹, -graph

Explanation

If you sign your name on something, you autograph it. You have to autograph a check before it can be cashed. An autograph is a signature. Famous people are asked for their autographs all the time, but you might be surprised and flattered if a little girl asked for yours after you played Dorothy in your community theater production of "The Wizard of Oz." An original manuscript or musical composition written in the handwriting of the author or composer is also called an autograph. In 1938, the Museum of Modern Art displayed an autograph of Mark Twain's "Tom Sawyer."

Example Sentences

As one of the site’s Nation Builders—first-person interpreters portraying figures of Revolutionary America—Smith regularly fields autograph requests and accepts gifts: a custom mug tiled with his own face, a vinyl album of original Jefferson ballads.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 16, 2026

In another scene, Peet’s character is asked for an autograph by a young woman who mistakes her for the actor Lake Bell.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 2, 2026

Crucially, there are two different kinds of autograph hunters.

From BBC • Mar. 23, 2026

Even as she calmly reprimands them, one man continues to ask for her autograph.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 22, 2026

The first time I was asked for my autograph, I was astonished; afterward I went to my room to practice a special signature.

From "Warriors Don't Cry: A Searing Memoir of the Battle to Integrate Little Rock's Central High" by Melba Pattillo Beals

Related Words

• endorsement