semiotic

American  

[see-mee-ot-ik, sem-ee, see-mahy-] / ˌsi miˈɒt ɪk, ˌsɛm i, ˌsi maɪ- /

adjective

1. of or relating to signs.

2. of or relating to semiotics.

3. Medicine/Medical. of or relating to symptoms; symptomatic.

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noun

1. semiotics.

semiotic British  

/ ˌsiːmɪ-, ˌsɛmɪˈɒtɪk /

adjective

1. relating to signs and symbols, esp spoken or written signs

2. relating to semiotics

3. of, relating to, or resembling the symptoms of disease; symptomatic

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Etymology

Origin of semiotic

First recorded in 1615–20; from Greek sēmeiōtikós “observant of (medical) signs, significant,” equivalent to sēmeiō-, verbal stem of sēmeioûn “to interpret as a sign” (derivative of Greek sēmeîon “sign”) + -tikos adjective suffix; semantic ( def. ), -ic ( def. )

Explanation

Use the adjective semiotic to describe something that has to do with the study of symbols. You're most likely to come across the word semiotic in a college linguistics class. The study of signs, analogies, metaphors, symbolism — and the way they're used in language to aid communication — is called semiotics. Anything having to do with this field is semiotic. The Greek word semeiotikos means "observant of signs," and its root is sema, or "sign."

Example Sentences

“I feel like having a direct line to the senses from a marketing standpoint is so important because it’s a nonverbal, it’s a semiotic vehicle,” Loranger said.

From Seattle Times • Jul. 21, 2023

They are so densely layered with visual metaphor, so flush with archetypes and symbols, that they operate like their own semiotic systems.

From New York Times • Nov. 16, 2021

Virtually all works of art are created within a web of context, allusion and semiotic interconnection.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 13, 2021

Did any other single sound on Earth undergo a more complete semiotic switcheroo this year than the modest car horn?

From Washington Post • Dec. 7, 2020

The higher the semiotic level of the market in a context of decadent plenty-the number of sign systems involved, their extent and variety-the more obvious the deviations from the rule of merely satisfying needs.

From The Civilization of Illiteracy by Nadin, Mihai