Signature

/ˈsɪɡnətʃər/

nounBeginner🔥Very CommonIdentification
2 meanings1 idiom/phrase2 questions

Definitions

2 meanings
1

A person's own name written by that person, used to confirm, authorize, or prove something.

/ˈsɪɡnətʃər/

nounneutralBeginner
Identification

A person's name or mark written by that person

The document is not valid without a signature.

💡 Simply: It's your own special way of writing your name to say, 'I agree!' or 'This is mine!' Like when you sign a birthday card or a school paper.

👶 For kids: It's like drawing your name, so everyone knows it's really you!

More Examples

2

She added her signature to the bottom of the letter.

3

The artist's signature was barely visible on the painting.

How It's Used

Legal

"The contract requires both parties' signatures."

Business

"Please add your signature to the bottom of the form."

2

A distinctive or characteristic feature or quality.

/ˈsɪɡnətʃər/

nounneutralmedium
Characteristic

A distinctive feature or characteristic

The artist's signature brushstrokes made the painting easily recognizable.

💡 Simply: It's like a special ingredient, a catchphrase, or a unique thing that makes something or someone recognizable. Like a chef's special dish or a singer's unique voice.

👶 For kids: A special thing that makes something like someone, or something special!

More Examples

2

The restaurant's signature dish is known throughout the city.

3

That song has all the band's signature sounds.

How It's Used

Literary

"The author's signature style is evident in her use of vivid imagery."

Culinary

"The chef's signature dish is the lobster bisque."

Tip:Think of what 'signs' someone or something.

Idioms & expressions

signature move

A specific action or style that is characteristic of someone.

"The basketball player's signature move was the jump shot."

From Latin *signatura*, meaning 'a mark or sign', from *signare* 'to mark, sign'.

Used since the 16th century to describe the act of signing one's name, and later to describe a distinctive mark or style.

Memory tip

Think of your signature as a sign that you agree to something.

Word Origin

LanguageLatin
Original meaning

"a mark or sign, to mark, sign"

add a signaturesign a signaturedigital signaturesignature dishsignature style

Common misspellings

signituresigneturesignture

Usage

40%Spoken
60%Written