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signor

[seen-yawr, -yohr, sin-yawr, -yohr; Italian see-nyawr]
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noun, plural si·gnors, Italian si·gno·ri [see-nyaw-ree] /siˈnyɔ ri/.
  1. a conventional Italian term of address or title of respect for a man, either used separately or prefixed to the name. Abbreviation: Sig., sig.
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Also signior.

Origin of signor

From Italian, dating back to 1570–80; see origin at signore1
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for signor

Historical Examples

  • What do you know, Christian, or what do you suspect about Signor Bruno?

    The Slave Of The Lamp

    Henry Seton Merriman

  • Signor Squadra will be waiting for you upstairs, and will introduce you.

  • And there, indeed, stood Signor Squadra in his black livery.

  • "Signor Squadra," Pierre said again, and the Guard drew back to let him pass.

  • He liked his Padroncina's courage, liked the sailors of the Signor Marchese to see it.

    A Spirit in Prison

    Robert Hichens

British Dictionary definitions for signor

signor

signior

noun plural -gnors or -gnori (Italian -ˈɲori)
  1. an Italian man: usually used before a name as a title equivalent to Mr
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Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for signor

n.

an Italian lord or gentleman, 1570s, from Italian signore, from Latin seniorem, accusative of senior (see senior (adj.)). Feminine form signora is from 1630s; diminutive signorina is first recorded 1820.

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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper