sign

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   A board or notice that gives information, directions, or a warning.

   I posted signs in all the shop windows.

2. 2
   noun

   Something that shows that something else exists or is happening.

   We showed signs of strain after thirty hours of travel.

3. 3
   noun

   A movement or gesture used to communicate a message.

   She gave me a sign to keep quiet.

4. 4
   verb

   To write your name on something to agree to it or make it official.

   Please sign at the bottom of the form.

Common collocations

• follow signs Verb + noun
• read a sign Verb + noun
• sign one's name Verb + noun
• clear sign Adjective + noun
• good sign Adjective + noun
• sign a card Verb + noun
• sign your name Verb + noun
• warning sign Adjective + noun

From Middle English signen, seinen, seinien, partly from Old English seġnian (“to mark; sign”) and partly from Anglo-Norman seigner, seiner et al., Old French signer et al., and their source Latin signāre (“to mark, seal, indicate, signify”); all from Latin signum (“a mark, sign”); see Etymology 1, above. Compare sain.

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