any object, action, event, pattern, etc., that conveys a meaning.
a conventional or arbitrary mark, figure, or symbol used as an abbreviation for the word or words it represents.
a motion or gesture used to express or convey an idea, command, decision, etc.: Her nod was a sign that it was time to leave.
a notice, bearing a name, direction, warning, or advertisement, that is displayed or posted for public view: a traffic sign; a store sign.
a trace; vestige: There wasn't a sign of them.
an arbitrary or conventional symbol used in musical notation to indicate tonality, tempo, etc.
Medicine/Medical. the objective indications of a disease.
any meaningful gestural unit belonging to a sign language.
an omen; portent: a sign of approaching decadence.
sign of the zodiac.
sign language (def. 1).
Usually signs.traces, as footprints, of a wild animal.
Mathematics.
a plus sign or minus sign used as a symbol for indicating addition or subtraction.
a plus sign or minus sign used as a symbol for indicating the positive or negative value of a quantity, as an integer.
multiplication sign.
division sign.
a symbol, as or !, used to indicate a radical or factorial operation.
verb (used with object)
to affix a signature to: to sign a letter.
to write as a signature: to sign one's name.
to engage by written agreement: to sign a new player.
to mark with a sign, especially the sign of the cross.
to communicate by means of a sign; signal: He signed his wish to leave.
to convey (a message) in a sign language.
Obsolete. to direct or appoint by a sign.
verb (used without object)
to write one's signature, as a token of agreement, obligation, receipt, etc.: to sign for a package.
to make a sign or signal: He signed to her to go away.
to employ a sign language for communication.
to obligate oneself by signature: He signed with another team for the next season.
Verb Phrases
sign away / overto assign or dispose of by affixing one's signature to a document: She signed over her fortune to the church.
sign in,to record or authorize one's arrival (or departure) by signing a register.Also sign out.
sign off,
to withdraw, as from some responsibility or connection.
to cease radio or television broadcasting, especially at the end of the day.
Informal.to become silent: He had exhausted conversation topics and signed off.
to indicate one's approval explicitly if not formally: The president is expected to sign off on the new agreement.
sign on,
to employ; hire.
to bind oneself to work, as by signing a contract: He signed on as a pitcher with a major-league team.
to start radio or television broadcasting, especially at the beginning of the day.
Computers.log1 (def. 17a).
sign up,to enlist, as in an organization or group; to register or subscribe: to sign up for the navy; to sign up for class.
VIDEO FOR SIGN
WATCH NOW: Why Does The Word "Sign" Have So Many Meanings?
It's confusing because the word "sign" has so many meanings, which is why it can be added to lyrics to symbolize a lot of different things. So, what do some of our favorite singers mean when use the word "sign" in their music?
MORE VIDEOS FROM DICTIONARY.COM
Origin of sign
First recorded in 1175–1225; (noun) Middle English signe, from Old French, from Latin signum “mark, sign, ensign, signal, image”; (verb) Middle English signen “to mark with a sign, especially the sign of the cross,” from Old French signer, from Latin signāre “to mark with a sign, inscribe, affix a seal to,” derivative of signum
SYNONYMS FOR sign
1 trace, hint, suggestion.
1, 4 signal.
10 indication, hint, augury.
SEE SYNONYMS FOR sign ON THESAURUS.COM
synonym study for sign
10. Sign,omen,portent name that which gives evidence of a future event. Sign is a general word for whatever gives evidence of an event—past, present, or future: Dark clouds are a sign of rain or snow. An omen is an augury or warning of things to come; it is used only of the future, in general, as good or bad: birds of evil omen.Portent, limited, like omen, to prophecy of the future, may be used of a specific event, usually a misfortune: portents of war.
OTHER WORDS FROM sign
signless,adjectivesignlike,adjectivepost·sign,verb (used with object)un·signed,adjective
An objective finding, usually detected on physical examination, from a laboratory test, or on an x-ray, that indicates the presence of abnormality or disease.
A body manifestation, usually detected on physical examination or through laboratory tests or xrays, that indicates the presence of abnormality or disease. Compare symptom.