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

Example Sentences

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

“Or, are you not Lake Bell?” asks the autograph seeker.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 26, 2026

Items signed by top names and then listed online by autograph hunters can sell for tens of thousands of pounds.

From BBC • Mar. 23, 2026

Most sportspeople are happy to make a fan's day by spending a quick moment with them and signing an autograph.

From BBC • Mar. 23, 2026

Ellsberg was recognized in restaurants and stopped on the street for his autograph.

From "Most Dangerous: Daniel Ellsberg and the Secret History of the Vietnam War" by Steve Sheinkin

Related Words

• endorsement