countersign
[ noun, verb koun-ter-sahyn; verb also koun-ter-sahyn ]
/ noun, verb ˈkaʊn tərˌsaɪn; verb also ˌkaʊn tərˈsaɪn /
Save This Word!
noun
a sign used in reply to another sign.
Military. a secret sign that must be given by authorized persons seeking admission through a guarded area.
a signature added to another signature, especially for authentication.
verb (used with object)
to sign (a document that has been signed by someone else), especially in confirmation or authentication.
QUIZ
WILL YOU SAIL OR STUMBLE ON THESE GRAMMAR QUESTIONS?
Smoothly step over to these common grammar mistakes that trip many people up. Good luck!
Question 1 of 7
Fill in the blank: I can’t figure out _____ gave me this gift.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use countersign in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for countersign
countersign
verb (ˈkaʊntəˌsaɪn, ˌkaʊntəˈsaɪn)
(tr) to sign (a document already signed by another)
noun (ˈkaʊntəˌsaɪn)
Also called: countersignature the signature so written
a secret sign given in response to another sign
mainly military a password
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012