Sign Definition
sīn
signed, signing, signs
noun
signs
Something that indicates a fact, quality, etc.; indication; token.
Black as a sign of mourning.
Webster's New World
A gesture or motion that conveys information, gives a command, etc.
A nod as a sign of approval.
Webster's New World
Any of the gestures used in sign language.
Webster's New World
Webster's New World
A posted notice bearing a designation, direction, or command.
An EXIT sign above a door; a traffic sign.
American Heritage
verb
signed, signing, signs
To write one's name on, as in acknowledging authorship, authorizing action, etc.
Webster's New World
To write (one's name) as a signature.
Webster's New World
To approve or ratify (a document) by affixing a signature, seal, or other mark.
Sign a bill into law.
American Heritage
To engage by written contract; sign on.
Webster's New World
To relinquish or transfer title to by signature.
Signed away all her claims to the estate.
American Heritage
idiom
sign away
- to abandon or transfer title to (something) by or as by signing a document; convey
Webster's New World
sign in (<i>or</i> out)
- to sign a register upon arrival (or departure)
Webster's New World
sign off
- to announce the end of broadcasting, as for the day, and stop transmitting
- sign off on (see phrase below)
Webster's New World
sign off on
- to indicate approval or acceptance of (a plan, statement, etc.) by, or as if by, signing or initialing it
the mayor signed off on the budget figures
Webster's New World
sign on
- to engage (oneself or others) for employment; hire or be hired, esp. by a signed agreement
- to go along with a plan, etc., as in the capacity of a partner or participant
Webster's New World
Origin of Sign
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From Anglo-Norman seigner, seiner et al., Old French signer et al., and their source, Latin signāre (“to mark, seal, indicate, signify"), from signum (“a mark, sign"); see Etymology 1, above. Compare sain.
From Wiktionary
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Middle English signe from Old French from Latin signum sekw-1 in Indo-European roots
From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition
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From Old French signe, from Latin signum (“a mark, sign, token"); root uncertain.
From Wiktionary
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