noun / adjective

signature

SIG-nuh-chur/ˈsɪɡnətʃər/

An identifying written mark.

The tenant adds a signature to the form while receiving apartment keys.

A tenant writes a distinctive handwritten mark on an approval form while a landlord hands over apartment keys, making the mark function as authorization.

Etymology

The underlying image is a stamped mark: Latin signatura named the matrix of a seal. The English sense of a handwritten name broadened to any distinguishing mark, supporting identification beyond personal handwriting.

In context

Jacqueline Novogratz0:33

And that happened just a few months after women had gained the right to open a bank account without their husband's signature.

What it takes to make change | Jacqueline Novogratz

TED-Ed1:32

and forged his signature on decrees to govern the sultanate

How a concubine became the ruler of Egypt - Abdallah Ewis

More examples

Both signatures appear at the bottom of the lease.
Her signature is hard to read.
Please write your full name on the signature line.

Forms

signature · signatures

sign verb — To write one's name to indicate approval.

signer noun — A person who signs a document.

Similar words

autograph: Usually someone's handwritten name kept as a souvenir.
mark: May be a simple symbol rather than a written name.