Definition

1. Verb (transitive and intransitive):
   • To formally enroll or register oneself or someone else for a membership, course, activity, or service, typically by providing one's name and other details.
   • To commit to a contract or agreement, especially a written one, for employment, participation, or service.

Usage

• The verb "sign up" is commonly used to describe the action of joining something that requires registration. It can be used with or without a direct object.
• When used intransitively, it is often followed by the preposition "for" to indicate the specific activity or service.
• When used transitively, it means to enroll or recruit someone else.

Examples

• Intransitive (sign up for something):
  • I decided to sign up for a photography class at the community center.
  • You need to sign up online to receive the newsletter.
• Transitive (sign someone up):
  • The coach signed up three new players for the team.
  • She signed her son up for swimming lessons.

Advanced Usage

• "to sign up with": To join or register with a specific company, organization, or platform.
  • Many freelancers sign up with online platforms to find work.
• "to sign up as": To register oneself in a specific capacity or role.
  • He signed up as a volunteer for the charity event.

Variants and Related Words

• Sign-up (noun or adjective): The act or process of registering, or a form/period for doing so.
  • The sign-up for the workshop is on Friday. (noun)
  • Please complete the sign-up sheet. (adjective)
• Signee (noun): A person who signs a contract, especially an athlete or musician.
  • The team's newest signee will play next week.

Synonyms

• Enroll: To officially register or enter one's name on a list.
• Register: To enter one's name or details on an official list.
• Join: To become a member of a group or organization.
• Recruit: To enlist someone for service or membership.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Sign on: Often used similarly to "sign up," especially for employment or unemployment benefits. It can also mean to start a broadcast.
  • He signed on with the company last month.
• Sign off: To give formal approval or to end a communication.
  • The manager signed off on the project.

Related Idioms

• "Sign on the dotted line": To formally agree to something, especially by signing a contract.
  • After reviewing the terms, he was ready to sign on the dotted line.

Verb

1. join a club, an activity, etc. with the intention to join or participate, "Sign up for yoga classes"
2. engage by written agreement
   • They signed two new pitchers for the next season