Definition

1. Verb:
   • To record one's arrival or entry by writing one's name or providing credentials: The act of formally indicating your presence at a location or service, typically by writing your name in a register, scanning an identification card, or entering a username and password.
   • To log on to a computer system, website, or application: The process of entering personal credentials (like a username and password) to gain access to a restricted digital service or area.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • All visitors must sign in at the reception desk before entering the office building.
  • Please sign in to your email account to read the new messages.
  • Guests are required to sign in at the hotel's front desk upon arrival.

Advanced Usage

• "to sign in to/on to": The prepositions "to" or "on to" are commonly used with digital systems.

  • You need to sign in to the network to access the shared drive.
  • I can't sign on to the software from my home computer.

• Implied object: The object (the place or system) is often clear from context and can be omitted.

  • The conference has started; you should go and sign in. (i.e., sign in at the conference registration)
  • The website is asking me to sign in. (i.e., sign in to the website)

Variants and Related Words

• Sign-in (noun or adjective): Refers to the process itself or a related item.

  • The sign-in process for the new app is very quick. (Adjective)
  • Please complete the sign-in at the table by the door. (Noun)

• Login/Log in (verb): A near-synonym, almost exclusively used for computer systems.

  • You must log in to change your settings.

• Check in (verb): Often used interchangeably for arrivals at hotels, airports, or events, but can imply additional steps like receiving a key or boarding pass.

Synonyms

• Log in: Gain access to a computer system.
• Check in: Register one's arrival, especially for travel or accommodations.
• Register: Record one's name on an official list.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Sign out / Log out: To formally record one's departure or end a session on a computer system.

  • Remember to sign out of your account when using a public computer.
  • Employees must sign out when leaving the premises after hours.

• Sign up: To enroll or register for something, such as a service or event. (This refers to initial registration, not daily entry).

  • I need to sign up for a new account before I can sign in.

Related Idioms

• No specific common idioms are directly formed with "sign in." The phrase is typically used in its literal sense.

Verb

1. announce one's arrival, e.g. at hotels or airports