autograph

[ aw-tuh-graf, -grahf ]

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.

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

/ 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

verb

1. to write one's signature on or in; sign
2. to write with one's own hand

Derived Forms

• ˌautoˈgraphically, adverb
• autographic, adjective

Other Words From

• au·to·graph·ic [aw-t, uh, -, graf, -ik], auto·graphi·cal adjective
• auto·graphi·cal·ly adverb
• un·auto·graphed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of autograph¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of autograph¹

C17: from Late Latin, from Greek autographos, from autos self + graphein to write

Example Sentences

Laughlin autographed hundreds of four packs ahead of the beer’s release in late January.

From Washington Post

Laughlin signed autographs and took photos with fans at a release party for his debut beer last February.

From Washington Post

Many in the audience pull out their cell phones to film her while they continue to dance, and more than a few of them come to ask for a picture or autograph.

From Washington Blade

He had “achieved celebrity status,” according to The Post’s coverage, signing autographs for the assembled lawmakers, congressional staffers and pages.

From Washington Post

By the second year, after I proved I could play basketball, people were lining up to get my autograph.

From Washington Post

It's nothing for someone to walk up to me in the store or at a restaurant and ask for an autograph or speak to me.

From The Daily Beast

He struggled as television crews tried to mike him up for sound and seemed taken aback when delegates asked him for an autograph.

From The Daily Beast

Most of all, Lewis is immensely moved by the young black people who approach him for his autograph.

From The Daily Beast

“The advertising guy would go out to restaurants and would be asked for his autograph all the time,” Brunelle says.

From The Daily Beast

And people—reportedly less than 20, but still—actually showed up to meet the killer neighborhood watchman and get his autograph!

From The Daily Beast

When Hans Nilsen left, he presented her with his greatest treasure, an autograph letter from Hauge to his mother.

From Project Gutenberg

If you write to ask for an autograph, always inclose a postage stamp for the answer.

From Project Gutenberg

I am about to fall asleep when one of the passengers asks if I would mind signing my autograph for him.

From Project Gutenberg

Next morning there were more autograph books and several wireless messages from intimate friends wishing me bon voyage.

From Project Gutenberg

And in spite of everything, there is a mob at the station to see us off and autograph books are thrown at me from all sides.

From Project Gutenberg