signature

American  

[sig-nuh-cher, -choor] / ˈsɪg nə tʃər, -ˌtʃʊər /

noun

• signatures
  plural

1. a person's name, or a mark representing it, as signed personally or by deputy, as in subscribing a letter or other document.

2. the act of signing a document.

3. Music. a sign or set of signs at the beginning of a staff to indicate the key or the time of a piece.

4. Radio. a song, musical arrangement, sound effect, etc., used as a theme identifying a program.

5. any unique, distinguishing aspect, feature, or mark.

6. Medicine/Medical. that part of a written prescription that specifies directions for use.

7. Biology, Medicine/Medical. a distinctive characteristic or set of characteristics by which a biological structure or medical condition is recognized.

8. Also called section. Bookbinding. a printed sheet folded to page size for binding together, with other such sheets, to form a book, magazine, etc.

9. Printing.

   1. a letter or other symbol generally placed by the printer at the foot of the first page of every sheet to guide the binder in folding the sheets and in gathering them in sequence.

   2. a sheet so marked.

10. Chemistry, Physics. a characteristic trace or sign that indicates the presence of a substance or the occurrence of a physical process or event.

    The satellite recorded a spectrum that is the signature of a nuclear explosion.

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adjective

1. serving to identify or distinguish a person, group, etc..

   a signature tune.

signature British  

/ ˈsɪɡnɪtʃə /

noun

1. the name of a person or a mark or sign representing his name, marked by himself or by an authorized deputy

2. the act of signing one's name

3. 1. a distinctive mark, characteristic, etc, that identifies a person or thing

   2. ( as modifier )

      a signature fragrance

4. music See key signature time signature

5. Abbreviation: Sig, S. the part of a medical prescription that instructs a patient how frequently and in what amounts he should take a drug or agent

6. printing

   1. a sheet of paper printed with several pages that upon folding will become a section or sections of a book

   2. such a sheet so folded

   3. a mark, esp a letter, printed on the first page of a signature

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• signatureless
  adjective

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• signatures
  plural

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Etymology

Origin of signature

1525–35; < Medieval Latin signātūra a signing, equivalent to Latin signāt ( us ) past participle of signāre to mark ( see sign, -ate ¹) + -ūra -ure

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Explanation

When you sign your name in your own handwriting, that is your signature. Things you can put your signature on include checks, permission slips, letters, stays of execution, and declarations of independence. Signature isn't just about signing your name on the dotted line. A characteristic mark, tune, or style is also called a signature. Perhaps you have a favorite outfit or style that you consider your signature look. "I Did It My Way" was a signature tune of Frank Sinatra. In music, the signature indicates what key the song is set in by showing the sharps and flats.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

signature signatures

The reality competition show “The Traitors” is transforming into a sprawling entertainment franchise, with an official board game, signature hooded cloaks, and live immersive experiences.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 17, 2026

Centineo says the film's stunt team closely studied each character's video game movements to ensure their signature moves were accurately depicted on film.

From BBC ● Oct. 16, 2026

Each has a characteristic combination of lipids, creating a recognizable chemical signature.

From Science Daily ● Oct. 13, 2026

An image issued by Zardari's office showed his signature affirming the measures.

From Barron's ● Oct. 11, 2026

List the flats or sharps in this key signature.

From "Understanding Basic Music Theory" by Catherine Schmidt-Jones and Russel Jones

One crucial capability: American surveillance can give a very detailed picture of Russian air defenses through the systems’ electromagnetic signatures, said Withington.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 15, 2026

By searching for these signatures, astronomers can locate galaxy clusters that might otherwise be difficult to detect.

From Science Daily ● Oct. 13, 2026

It reached over 10,000 signatures, which means the UK government must respond.

From Barron's ● Oct. 13, 2026

The concerns about the future of the centre at Cardiff and Vale health board have prompted a petition, which has already reached more than 11,000 signatures.

From BBC ● Oct. 12, 2026

Instead, she wrote articles and letters to the editor of various newspapers, collected signatures on women’s rights petitions, and began her career as a public speaker at events closer to home.

From "Votes for Women!" by Winifred Conkling

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Related Words

• autograph
• identification
• ink
• name
• seal
• stamp
• trademark

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