sign

A board or other visible object with words or pictures that gives information or instructions.

• Read the sign on the door.
• We followed the signs to the station.
• Someone has put up a new warning sign.

Similar words: notice, board

Common phrases: road sign, stop sign, warning sign

Something you notice that suggests another thing exists, is true, or may happen.

• A smile is a good sign.
• The patient showed signs of recovery.
• Is this a sign that prices will fall?

How to use it: a sign of something (Dark clouds can be a sign of rain.); a sign that… (Her smile was a sign that she felt better.)

Similar words: indication, signal

Common phrases: sign of something, good sign, early sign, clear sign

An event or object believed to predict something good or bad in the future.

• She took the dream as a sign.
• They believed the bird was a sign of good luck.
• Was the sudden storm a sign from heaven?

How to use it: a sign of something (They believed the comet was a sign of disaster.)

Similar words: omen, portent

Common phrases: a bad sign, sign from heaven, read the sign

To write your name on a document to show that you agree with it or wrote it.

• Please sign this form.
• They signed the agreement yesterday.
• Have you signed your name at the bottom?

Common phrases: sign a contract, sign your name, sign a form

To employ someone by agreeing on a contract with them.

• The club wants to sign him.
• The label signed two young singers.
• They signed her to a new contract.

How to use it: sign someone to something (The company signed her to a three-year contract.)

Similar words: hire, recruit

Common phrases: sign someone, sign a player, sign a singer, sign a musician

To communicate with someone by moving your hands or making other gestures.

• She signed to him to stop.
• They signed across the crowded room.
• Can you sign that message to her?

How to use it: sign to someone (She signed to him to wait outside.); sign that… (He signed that he needed help.)

Similar words: gesture, signal

Common phrases: sign to someone, sign a message, sign in silence