Definition

1. Noun:
   • A person's name written in their own distinctive way: A signature is a handwritten (or sometimes electronic) representation of a person's name, used to show identity, agreement, or approval on a document.
   • A distinctive pattern, characteristic, or feature: A signature can be a unique mark or quality that identifies something or someone.
   • (Music) The sharps or flats placed after a clef to indicate the key: In musical notation, the key signature shows which notes are to be consistently raised or lowered.
   • (Music) A short, distinctive tune used to identify a performer or broadcast: A signature tune is a melody associated with a particular person, show, or brand.
   • (Printing) A printed sheet folded to form a section of a book: In bookbinding, a signature is a group of pages printed on a single sheet that is folded and bound with others.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • Please add your signature at the bottom of the contract.
  • The chef's signature dish is known for its unique blend of spices.
  • The symphony is written in the key of E minor, as shown by its signature.
  • The radio station plays its signature tune every hour.
  • *The book is made up of sixteen-page signatures sewn together.

Advanced Usage

• "Signature style": A unique and recognizable way of doing something.
  • The artist's signature style involves bold colors and geometric shapes.
• "Wet signature": A physical, handwritten signature, as opposed to a digital one.
  • Some legal documents still require a wet signature.
• "Signature move": A characteristic action, especially in sports or performance.
  • The gymnast's signature move is a double-twisting somersault.

Variants and Related Words

• Sign (verb): To write one's signature.
  • He will sign the document tomorrow.
• Signatory (noun): A party or person who has signed an agreement.
  • All signatories to the treaty must comply with its terms.
• Signatureless (adj.): Lacking a signature.
  • The check was returned because it was signatureless.

Synonyms

• Autograph: A signature, especially of a famous person.
• Hallmark: A distinctive feature or characteristic.
• Trademark: A distinctive sign identifying goods or services; also used figuratively for a characteristic style.

Related Phrases (Phrasal Verbs)

• To sign off on something: To give official approval by signing.
  • The manager must sign off on all major expenses.
• To sign up for something: To enroll or register for something, often by providing a signature.
  • I decided to sign up for the advanced language course.

Related Idioms

• Put your John Hancock on it: To sign your name (John Hancock was a prominent signer of the U.S. Declaration of Independence).
  • Just put your John Hancock on the dotted line, and the car is yours.
• A signature away from something: Very close to completing an agreement or deal.
  • We are just a signature away from finalizing the merger.

Noun

1. a sheet with several pages printed on it; it folds to page size and is bound with other signatures to form a book
2. the sharps or flats that follow the clef and indicate the key
3. a melody used to identify a performer or a dance band or radio/tv program
4. a distinguishing style
   • this room needs a woman's touch
5. your name written in your own handwriting