sign

Etymology

Definitions

1. 1

   A visible fact that shows that something exists or may happen.

   • Their angry expressions were a clear sign they didn't want to talk.
   • Those clouds show signs of raining soon.
   • Those clouds show little sign of raining soon.
2. 2

   A mark or another symbol used to represent something.

   • The sharp sign indicates that the pitch of the note is raised a half step.
   • I gave them a thumbs-up sign.
   • The sound of the Orlando dinner train whistle reminds me that it ' s already Friday, an auditory sign. Another auditory sign, a distant thunder clap, warns me of limited computer time before our evening thunderstorm moves in.
3. 3

   Physical evidence left by an animal.

   • The hunters found deer sign at the end of the trail.
   • Animal sign is the key to eliminating guesswork when setting your traps. Only trap where there is sign. Sign is anything the animal leaves as a trace that indicates it may have passed through the area.
4. ›+ 12 more definitionsshow fewer

   1. 4

      A clearly visible object, generally flat, bearing a short message in words or pictures.

      • The sign in the window advertised a room for rent.
      • I missed the sign at the corner so I took the wrong turn.
      • The shops were, therefore, distinguished by painted signs, which gave a gay and grotesque aspect to the streets.
   2. 5

      A wonder

      A wonder; miracle; prodigy.

      • And thou shalt take this rod in thine hand, wherewith thou shalt do signs.
   3. 6

      An astrological sign.

      • Your sign is Taurus? That's no surprise.
   4. 7

      Positive or negative polarity, as denoted by the + or - sign.

      • I got the magnitude right, but the sign was wrong.
   5. 8

      A specific gesture or motion used to communicate by those with speaking or hearing…

      A specific gesture or motion used to communicate by those with speaking or hearing difficulties; now specifically, a linguistic unit in sign language equivalent to word in spoken languages.

      • And why not, as well as our dumbe men dispute, argue and tell histories by signes?
      • In American Sign Language (ASL), for instance, the sign for 'catch' is formed with one hand (in the role of agent) moving across the body (an action) to grasp the forefinger of the other hand (the patient).
   6. 9

      Sign language in general.

      • Sorry, I don't know sign very well.
   7. 10

      A semantic unit, something that conveys meaning or information (e.g. a word of written…

      A semantic unit, something that conveys meaning or information (e.g. a word of written language); (linguistics, semiotics) a unit consisting of a signifier and a signified concept. (See sign (semiotics).)

      • A Noun substantive and a Noun adjective may be thus distinguished, that a substantive may have the sign a or the before it; as, puer, a boy, the boy; but an adjective cannot, as, bonus, good.
      • A Pronoun is a Noun implying a Person, but not admitting the Sign a or the before it.
      • And some linguistic signs, like “the”, “and” or “with”, may lack apparent objects, though they are clearly meaningful and interpretable.
   8. 11

      A military emblem carried on a banner or standard.

      • The great Ensign of Messiah blaz'd Aloft by Angels born, his Sign in Heav'n.
   9. 12

      To make a mark

      • The Queen signed her letter with the regal signet.
   10. 13

       To make the sign of the cross

       • We receive this child into the congregation of Christ's flock, and do sign him with the sign of the cross.
       • At the baptismal ceremony the child was […] signed with the cross in holy water.
   11. 14

       To indicate

       • I signed to Brown to make his retreat.
   12. 15

       To determine the sign of

The neighborhood

• neighborsignage
• neighborsignaletic
• neighborsignatory
• neighborsignal
• neighborsignature
• neighborsignet
• neighborsignify