signifier
Americannoun
-
a person or thing that signifies.
-
Semiotics. something, such as an arrangement of sounds or symbols, an object, or an action, which constitutes a pattern or unit, and which communicates meaning.
Etymology
Origin of signifier
Compare meaning
How does signifier compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
But he moved away from fruits, flowers and other signifiers of abundance and toward portrayals of possessions.
Connolly is a fluent speaker and booster of the Irish language, which became a surprisingly important signifier in the race, as Humphreys “has no Irish,” to use the vernacular.
From Salon
Ludwig’s signifiers were castles; George’s are factories, railways and a wife dedicated to ensuring his power is acknowledged throughout the city and across the Atlantic.
From Salon
In the middle of the night … I’m still haunted by this mawkish pileup of gospel signifiers.
From Los Angeles Times
This has also turned them into branded commodities and class signifiers, built by construction conglomerates like Samsung, and taking on names like “castle” or “palace.”
From Los Angeles Times
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.