sign
A board or mark giving information
Something you can see, like a board or symbol, that tells you information or gives directions.
a sign [shows/says] [something]
- The stop sign was clearly visible at the corner.
- She hung a 'Closed' sign on the shop door.
- The hotel had a large neon sign above the entrance.
- I missed the turn because I didn’t see the road sign.
- The stop sign is red.
- There is a big sign on the wall.
- The shop has a new sign.
- I read the sign before I went in.
An indication of something existing or coming
Something that shows something else is true or will happen.
a sign of [something]
- Dark clouds are a sign that it will rain.
- Her smile was a clear sign of happiness.
- The sudden drop in sales was a worrying sign for the company.
- Fever can be a sign of infection.
- Dark clouds are a sign of rain.
- Her smile is a sign of joy.
- A cough can be a sign of illness.
- The empty streets are a sign of danger.
Write name to approve or agree
To write your name on something to show you agree or accept it.
to sign [a document/contract/form]
- Please sign the form at the bottom of the page.
- She signed the contract yesterday afternoon.
- He refused to sign the agreement until changes were made.
- You must sign here to confirm your booking.
- Please sign your name here.
- She signed the paper.
- He signed the form at the desk.
- I will not sign this paper.
Gesture communicating meaning without words
A movement or action that shows what you mean without words.
make/give [someone] a sign
- He gave me a thumbs-up as a sign that everything was okay.
- The referee made a hand sign to stop play.
- They use special signs to communicate underwater.
- He gave me a peace sign.
- She made a hand sign to me.
- He waved as a sign to come closer.
Communicate using sign language
To talk using hand movements and signs instead of speaking.
to sign [a word/message]
- She can sign fluently in American Sign Language.
- They signed to each other across the room.
- He signed 'thank you' before leaving.
- She can sign very well.
- They signed to each other in class.
- He signed 'hello' to me.
- Base: sign
- Plural: signs
- Base: sign
- 3rd Person Singular: signs
- Present Participle: signing
- Past: signed
sign in
1Record arrival or log into system
To write your name when you arrive somewhere, or enter information to use a computer system.
- Please sign in at reception before your appointment.
- You need to sign in with your username and password.
sign of the times
1Something showing today's trends/issues
Something that shows what life or society is like now.
- The rise in online shopping is a sign of the times.
- Empty malls are just another sign of the times.
sign off
1End communication or approve officially
To finish speaking/writing in a message, or to give official approval for something.
- The manager signed off on the budget proposal.
- The news anchor signed off with a smile.
sign off
1end a communication
to finish speaking or writing to people and say goodbye.
- She signed off with a quick thank-you to the audience.
- The host signs off every episode with the same joke.
- I’ll sign off now and send the full notes tomorrow.
sign out
1Record leaving or log out of system
To write your name when you leave somewhere, or close your account session on a computer.
- Don't forget to sign out when you leave the building.
- You should always sign out after using public computers.
sign up
1Register for an activity or service
To put your name on a list to join or take part in something.
- You can sign up for the class online.
- He signed up to volunteer at the event.