sign
adjective
1. used of the language of the deaf
- learning sign language
Similar word(s): communicative, communicatory, gestural, signed
noun
1. a perceptible indication of something not immediately apparent (as a visible clue that something has happened)
- he showed signs of strain
- they welcomed the signs of spring
Similar word(s): mark
Definition categories: communication, clew, clue, cue
2. a public display of a message
- he posted signs in all the shop windows
Definition categories: communication
3. any nonverbal action or gesture that encodes a message
- signals from the boat suddenly stopped
Similar word(s): signal, signaling
Definition categories: communication
4. structure displaying a board on which advertisements can be posted
- the highway was lined with signboards
Similar word(s): signboard
Definition categories: man–made, construction, structure
5. (astrology) one of 12 equal areas into which the zodiac is divided
Similar word(s): house, mansion
Definition categories: location, part, region
6. (medicine) any objective evidence of the presence of a disorder or disease
- there were no signs of asphyxiation
Definition categories: state, evidence, grounds
7. having an indicated pole (as the distinction between positive and negative electric charges)
- charges of opposite sign
Similar word(s): polarity
Definition categories: link, oppositeness, opposition
8. an event that is experienced as indicating important things to come
- it was a sign from God
Similar word(s): augury, foretoken
Definition categories: event, experience
9. a gesture that is part of a sign language
Definition categories: communication, gesture, motion
10. a fundamental linguistic unit linking a signifier to that which is signified
- The bond between the signifier and the signified is arbitrary
Definition categories: communication
11. a character indicating a relation between quantities
- don't forget the minus sign
Definition categories: communication
Sentences with sign as a noun:
- Their angry expressions were a clear sign they didn't want to talk.
- Those clouds show signs of raining soon.
- Those clouds show little sign of raining soon.
- Signs of disease are objective, whereas symptoms are subjective.
- The hunters found deer sign at the end of the trail.
- The sign in the window advertised a room for rent.
- I missed the sign at the corner so I took the wrong turn.
- I gave them a thumbs-up sign.
- The sharp sign indicates that the pitch of the note is raised a half step.
- Your sign is Taurus? That's no surprise.
- I got the magnitude right, but the sign was wrong.
- Sorry, I don't know sign very well.
- "It's a sign of the end of the world," the doom prophet said.
verb
1. mark with one's signature; write one's name (on)
- She signed the letter and sent it off
- Please sign here
Similar word(s): subscribe
Definition categories: communication, write
2. approve and express assent, responsibility, or obligation
- Have you signed your contract yet?
Similar word(s): ratify
Definition categories: social, formalise, formalize, validate
3. be engaged by a written agreement
- He signed to play the casino on Dec. 18
- The soprano signed to sing the new opera
Definition categories: communication, contract, undertake
4. engage by written agreement
- They signed two new pitchers for the next season
Similar word(s): contract
Definition categories: social, employ, engage, hire
5. communicate silently and non-verbally by signals or signs
- He signed his disapproval with a dismissive hand gesture
- The diner signaled the waiters to bring the menu
Similar word(s): signal, signalise, signalize
Definition categories: communication, communicate, intercommunicate
6. place signs, as along a road
- sign an intersection
- This road has been signed
Definition categories: contact, lay, place, pose, position, put, set
7. communicate in sign language
- I don't know how to sign, so I could not communicate with my deaf cousin
Definition categories: communication, communicate, intercommunicate
8. make the sign of the cross over someone in order to call on God for protection; consecrate
Similar word(s): bless
Definition categories: communication, gesticulate, gesture, motion
Sentences with sign as a verb:
- The Queen signed her letter with the regal signet.
- I forgot to sign that letter to my aunt.
- Just sign your name at the bottom there.
- I received a letter from some woman who signs herself ‘Mrs Trellis’.
- Please sign on the dotted line.
- It was a great month. I managed to sign three major players.
- He signed me that I should follow him through the doorway.