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.

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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

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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 ( sign, -et ); compare Medieval Latin signētum

Example Sentences

Are you wearing a martini glass signet ring?

From Salon • May 1, 2025

A signet ring cast in sterling silver, left, and 14K gold rings by Nicholas Berkofsky of Fell Knives.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 19, 2025

The colorful intaglios — gems with incised carvings — likely fell out of signet rings worn by wealthy third-century bathers, and ended up trapped in the stone drains.

From New York Times • May 1, 2023

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

In his immaculate and expensive black suit with gold signet ring and brightly polished black shoes, he looked like a scaled-down model of a multimillionaire businessman.

From "Stormbreaker" by Anthony Horowitz