signifier
Americannoun
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a person or thing that signifies.
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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
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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.
And while those in the highest income range are more likely to be optimistic, being middle income or having a bachelor’s degree isn’t much of a signifier of optimism or pessimism.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Feb. 16, 2026
A statement from trust said it had already implemented a programme of "signifier change".
From BBC ● Jan. 23, 2026
“Minimalism is a signifier of class,” Wagner said.
From Slate ● Mar. 6, 2025
Whole Foods replaced Mrs. Gooch’s, but after being deracinated by Amazon, it became passé, less and less a signifier of status.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 24, 2024
With every step on those cracked sidewalks, I passed a new signifier of urban decay.
From "The Other Wes Moore: One Name, Two Fates" by Wes Moore
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
