noun / verb
sign
SYNE/saɪn/
A perceptible indicator conveying information.
The guard's raised hand is a sign telling the pedestrians to stop.
Etymology
Latin signum could be an identifying mark or evidence of something. Early English sign also named a meaningful hand gesture, illustrating how a visible feature can convey information without words.
In context
it used to be that a sign of prosperity was being given more choices.
This is a real street sign in Lagos, Nigeria.
More examples
- Fresh tracks in the snow are a sign of deer.
- A plus sign tells you to add the numbers.
- Please sign the form before you leave.
- She signs to her brother across the noisy room.
Forms
sign · signs · signed · signing
signature noun — A person's name written for identification.
Similar words
- indication
- Suggests a condition or fact, rather than a displayed message.
- symbol
- Represents an idea by convention, rather than providing evidence.
- signal
- Often prompts action or communicates information at a particular moment.