signet

American  

[sig-nit] / ˈsɪg nɪt /

noun

1. a small seal, as on a finger ring.

2. a small official seal for legal documents, contracts, etc.

3. an impression made by or as if by a signet.

---

verb (used with object)

1. to stamp or mark with a signet.

signet British  

/ ˈsɪɡnɪt /

noun

1. a small seal, esp one as part of a finger ring

2. a seal used to stamp or authenticate documents

3. the impression made by such a seal

---

verb

1. (tr) to stamp or authenticate with a signet

Other Word Forms

• unsigneted adjective

Etymology

Origin of signet

1300–50; Middle English < Old French ( see sign, -et); compare Medieval Latin signētum

Example Sentences

Are you wearing a martini glass signet ring?

From Salon • May 1, 2025

Archives show that those who lived in Brown Square included physician Joseph McKenzie; advocate John McLaurin; lord justice clerk Thomas Miller; Lady Agnew; and a writer to the signet, Isaac Grant.

From BBC • Sep. 2, 2022

He proudly wore the family crest on a signet ring, but he was also mindful that his father had been accused of collaboration with the Nazis and his mother was “a former American exotic dancer.”

From Washington Post • Jun. 3, 2022

They’re custom-ordering a size 13 of L’Enchanteur’s best-selling signet ring that features a phoenix taking flight.

From New York Times • Apr. 27, 2022

The signet fits perfectly into the impression on the letter.

From "The Cruel Prince" by Holly Black