sign
• noun 1 a thing whose presence or occurrence indicates the probable presence, occurrence, or advent of something else. 2 a signal, gesture, or notice conveying information or an instruction. 3 a symbol or word used to represent something in algebra, music, or other subjects. 4 Astrology each of the twelve equal sections into which the zodiac is divided. • verb 1 write one’s name on (something) for the purposes of identification or authorization. 2 engage for or commit oneself to work by signing a contract. 3 use gestures to convey information or instructions. — PHRASES sign off 1 conclude a letter, broadcast, or other message. 2 authorize (someone) to miss work. sign on 1 commit oneself to something. 2 Brit. register as unemployed. 3 employ (someone). sign out sign to indicate that one has borrowed or hired (something). sign up commit oneself to a course, job, etc. — DERIVATIVES signer noun. — ORIGIN Latin signum ‘mark, token’.
Perform another search of the Compact Oxford English Dictionary
About this dictionary
The Compact Oxford English Dictionary of Current English contains 145,000 words, phrases, and definitions.
Find out more about Oxford's range of English dictionaries
Sign up for the AskOxford Word of the Day
Search the Little Oxford Dictionary of Quotations
Search the Concise Dictionary of First Names
| 
