signature
gb/sˈɪɡnət͡ʃɚ/ us/sˈɪɡnət͡ʃɚ/
A2
English
~ 2900
Senses
0 senses
Noun
A2
entity
1
Handwritten name for identification
Your name written by you to show it is really from you.
Usage pattern:
[someone]'s signature on [a document]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'signature' with 'sign'. 'Sign' is the action, 'signature' is the written name.
Synonyms
autograph (Usually refers to a famous person's signature, often for fans.)
Antonyms
anonymity (Refers to the state of having no identified name or signature.)
Collocations
sign a signature
|forged signature
|signature on a contract
|signature required
Themes
law
|daily life
|business
|communication
Examples
- She put her signature at the bottom of the letter.
- The contract is not valid without your signature.
- His signature was forged on the check.
- Please add your signature here.
- They compared the signature on the form with the one on file.
Learner examples
- Please write your signature here.
- I see your signature on the paper.
- He gave his signature to the teacher.
- This is my signature.
- She put her signature on the form.
Noun
B1
property
2
Distinctive feature or style
A special quality or style that shows it is from a certain person or thing.
Usage pattern:
[someone]'s signature [feature/style/dish]
Common mistake:
Learners may think 'signature' here means writing your name, but it means a special identifying feature.
Synonyms
trademark (Often used figuratively for a well-known feature of a person or brand.)
Antonyms
generic (Lacking any distinctive or unique features.)
Collocations
signature dish
|signature style
|signature move
|signature sound
Themes
arts
|culture
|daily life
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The chef's signature dish is roasted duck with orange sauce.
- Her use of bright colors is her signature style.
- That guitar riff is his signature sound.
- The actor's signature move is a raised eyebrow.
- The designer is known for her signature patterns.
Learner examples
- Pizza is his signature dish.
- Blue is her signature color.
- This is his signature move in the game.
- That song is her signature work.
- The hat is his signature style.
Noun
technical
B2
entity
3
Data pattern for identification
A special code or pattern that shows what something is in computers or science.
Synonyms
identifier (General term for something that marks identity in data.)
Antonyms
anonymizer (A tool that removes identifying data patterns.)
Collocations
digital signature
|virus signature
|electronic signature
Themes
technology
|science
Examples
- The antivirus software updates its virus signatures daily.
- A digital signature ensures the message wasn't altered.
- The file's signature indicated it was an image.
- Electronic signatures can be used to sign contracts online.
Learner examples
- My email has a digital signature.
- The program found the virus using its signature.
- We use an electronic signature for the form.
- The file's signature shows it is safe.
Grammar
Dictionary form
signature
IPA
GB/sˈɪɡnət͡ʃɚ/
US/sˈɪɡnət͡ʃɚ/
Syllables & stress
sig - na - ture (3 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (sig)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: signature
- Plural: signatures
Word family
Expressions
digital signature
1/dˈɪd͡ʒɪtəl sˈɪɡnət͡ʃɚ/
fixed phrase
technical
Electronic verification code
A special computer code that shows a message or file is real and has not been changed.
Examples
- You need a digital signature to submit this online form.
- Digital signatures are important for secure communication.
signature dish
1/sˈɪɡnət͡ʃɚ dˈɪʃ/
fixed phrase
Chef's best-known dish
The food that a chef is best known for making very well.
Examples
- Her signature dish is homemade lasagna.
- The restaurant's signature dish attracts customers from all over the city.
signature move
1/sˈɪɡnət͡ʃɚ mˈuv/
fixed phrase
Performer’s trademark action
A special action that someone does often and is known for, especially in sports or entertainment.
Examples
- The player's signature move is a quick spin before shooting.
- He ended the show with his signature move: a backflip.