signature

/ˈsɪgnətʃər/

/ˈsɪgnətʃə/

Other forms: signatures

When you sign your name in your own handwriting, that is your signature. Things you can put your signature on include checks, permission slips, letters, stays of execution, and declarations of independence.

Signature isn't just about signing your name on the dotted line. A characteristic mark, tune, or style is also called a signature. Perhaps you have a favorite outfit or style that you consider your signature look. "I Did It My Way" was a signature tune of Frank Sinatra. In music, the signature indicates what key the song is set in by showing the sharps and flats.

Definitions of signature

1. noun

   your name written in your own handwriting
   types:

   allograph

   a signature written by one person for another

   John Hancock, autograph

   a person's own signature

   countersign, countersignature

   a second confirming signature endorsing a document already signed

   endorsement, indorsement

   a signature that validates something

   sign manual

   the signature of a sovereign on an official document

   blank endorsement, endorsement in blank

   an endorsement on commercial paper naming no payee and so payable to the bearer

   type of:

   name

   a language unit by which a person or thing is known
2. noun

   a distinguishing style
   synonyms: touch

   types:

   common touch

   the property of appealing to people in general (usually by appearing to have qualities in common with them)

   type of:

   fashion, manner, modality, mode, style, way

   how something is done or how it happens
3. noun

   a melody used to identify a performer or a dance band or radio/tv program
   synonyms: signature tune, theme song

   type of:

   air, line, melodic line, melodic phrase, melody, strain, tune

   a succession of notes forming a distinctive sequence
4. noun

   the sharps or flats that follow the clef and indicate the key
   synonyms: key signature

   type of:

   musical notation

   (music) notation used by musicians
5. noun

   a sheet with several pages printed on it; it folds to page size and is bound with other signatures to form a book
   type of:

   piece of paper, sheet, sheet of paper

   paper used for writing or printing