signature

[sig-nuh-cher, -choor]

noun

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.

adjective

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

   a signature tune.

signature

/ 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

Other Word Forms

• signatureless adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of signature¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of signature¹

C16: from Old French, from Medieval Latin signātura, from Latin signāre to sign

Example Sentences

If supporters gather enough signatures, the measure would appear on the November 2026 ballot.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

A punching bag painted by Basquiat features his signature crown motif atop the words “Mary Boone™.”

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Her face is framed by her long, loose hair and her signature unibrow.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The final scenes race to a shuddery climax vividly crafted by Mr. Chu, who concludes with some suitably wonderful imagery and a pleasing reference to the signature poster art of the Broadway version.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The union will soon begin the process of collecting the 875,000 signatures needed to get the measure on the ballot.

Read more on MarketWatch

Related Words

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