1an object, quality, or event whose presence or occurrence indicates the probable presence or occurrence of something else:flowers are often given as a sign of affection [with clause]:the shops are full, which is a sign that the recession is past its worst
something regarded as an indication of what is happening or going to happen:the signs are that counterfeiting is growing at an alarming rate
[with negative] used to indicate that someone or something is not where they should be or are expected to be:there was still no sign of her
Medicine an indication of a disease detectable by a medical practitioner even if not apparent to the patient:clinical signs of liver diseaseCompare with symptom.
a miracle regarded as evidence of supernatural power (chiefly in biblical and literary use):he observed signs and miracles taking place
[mass noun]North American the trail of a wild animal:wolverine sign
2a gesture or action used to convey information or an instruction:she gave him the thumbs-up sign
an action or reaction that conveys something about someone:she gave no sign of having seen him
a symbol or word used to represent an operation, instruction, concept, or object in algebra, music, or other subjects:the integral sign ∫
3a notice on public display that gives information or instructions in a written or symbolic form:I didn’t see the ‘Stop’ sign
4 (also zodiacal sign) Astrology each of the twelve equal sections into which the zodiac is divided, named from the constellations formerly situated in each, and associated with successive periods of the year according to the position of the sun on the ecliptic:a sign of the Zodiaca person born under the sign of Virgo
5 Mathematics the positiveness or negativeness of a quantity:the last four bits hold a pattern to represent the sign of the number
ზმნა
Universal
1 [with object] write one’s name on (a letter, card, document, etc.) to identify oneself as the writer or sender:the card was signed by the whole class
authorize (a document or other written or printed material) by attaching a signature:the two countries signed a non-aggression treaty
write (one’s name) for purposes of identification or authorization:she signed her name in the book [with object and complement]:she signed herself Imogen [no object]:he signed on the dotted line
engage (someone, typically a sports player or a musician) to work for one by signing a contract with them:the manager plans to sign a new goalkeeper
[no object] commit oneself to work by signing a contract:a new striker has signed for Blackburn
2 [no object] use gestures to convey information or instructions: [with infinitive]:she signed to her husband to leave the room
communicate in sign language:she was learning to sign
[with object] express or perform (something) in sign language:the Deaf Association Choir signed the hymns (as adjective signed)the theatre routinely puts on signed performances
3 [with object] indicate with signposts or other markers:the footpath is signed by the gate
4 [with object] archaic mark or consecrate with the sign of the cross:he signed himself with the cross
sign of the cross
a Christian sign made in blessing or prayer by tracing a cross from the forehead to the chest and to each shoulder, or in the air.
sign of the times
something judged to indicate the nature of a particular period, typically something undesirable:the theft was a sign of the times
signed, sealed, and delivered (or signed and sealed)
formally and officially agreed and in effect:the government doesn’t want us to know about their deal until it’s all signed, sealed, and delivered
sign something away/over
officially relinquish rights or property by signing a deed:I have no intention of signing away my inheritance
sign for
sign a receipt to confirm that one has received (something delivered):someone must sign for the registered letter when we deliver it
sign in (or out)
sign a register on arrival (or departure), typically in a hotel:I signed in and took the lift to my roomall visitors must sign out when leaving
sign someone in (or out)
record someone’s arrival (or departure) in a register:he’s signed you in and is waiting for youhe spent five days in hospital before signing himself out
sign off
1conclude a letter, broadcast, or other message:he signed off with a few words of advice
conclude an activity:he signed off from school athletics with a double in the shot
sign to record that one is leaving work for the day:a colleague saw me home and signed off for me
Bridge indicate by a conventional bid that one is seeking to end the bidding.
2British register to stop receiving unemployment benefit after finding work.
sign someone off
record that someone is entitled to miss work, typically because of illness:she had seen her doctor and been signed off for a month
sign off on
US informal give one’s approval to:it was hard to get celebrities to sign off on those issues
sign on
1commit oneself to employment, membership of a society, or some other undertaking:I’ll sign on with a nursing agency
2British register as unemployed.
sign someone on
take someone into one’s employment:the manager signed on new players
sign something out
sign to indicate that one has borrowed or hired something:I signed out the keys
sign up
commit oneself to a period of employment, education, or in the armed forces:he signed up for a ten-week course
(also sign something up) conclude a business deal:the firm has signed up with a new Russian company
sign someone up
formally engage someone in employment:the company is signing up people to write programs
