signature

signature — noun

1. a name that you write by hand in a fixed personal style, used when you want to c

1.nounA2
Definition

a name that you write by hand in a fixed personal style, used when you want to confirm that you agree with something or that a document is genuine

Example

Asher asked me to put my signature at the bottom of the rental agreement.

put your signature at the bottom of [document]

The bank clerk compared the signature on the cheque with the one in the system.

compare the signature on [document] with [record]

Common collocations
  • put your signature
  • valid signature
  • forged signature
  • signature on a cheque
  • signature on a contract
Synonyms
  • autograph

    specifically a celebrity's handwritten signature given to a fan, not used for official documents

  • endorsement

    a signature on the back of a cheque or document that transfers rights, more formal and specific

Grammar Patterns

signature + on + document

put your signature + on/to + document

Usage Note

A signature is different from a printed name — it is handwritten and personal. In many legal contexts, a signature can also be an electronic mark or a typed name that shows the same intention.

Common Mistakes

Please write your sign on the dotted line.
Please write your signature on the dotted line.
'sign' is the verb; 'signature' is the noun for the written name.

2. the formal act of putting your handwritten name on a legal paper to make it bind

2.nounB1
Definition

the formal act of putting your handwritten name on a legal paper to make it binding or to express your consent

Example

The contract will take effect immediately upon signature by both parties.

upon signature by [party] — formal register

Walid collected the forms for signature after everyone had finished reviewing them.

for signature — purpose of a document

Common collocations
  • upon signature
  • for signature
  • witness the signature
Synonyms
  • signing

    the more everyday word for the action; 'signature' in this sense is more formal

Grammar Patterns

upon signature

signature + of + document

for signature

Usage Note

This sense is typically used in formal or legal contexts rather than everyday conversation. It often appears in phrases like 'upon signature', 'for signature', or 'witness the signature'.

Common Mistakes

The signature of the document took only a minute' (when referring to the physical signing, not the name itself).
The signing of the document took only a minute.
Use 'signing' for the action and 'signature' for the written name itself.

3. a set of measurable features that uniquely reveals the identity of a chemical su

3.nounC1
Definition

a set of measurable features that uniquely reveals the identity of a chemical substance, a living organism, or a disease

Example

Each type of bacteria has a unique genetic signature that laboratories can identify.

genetic signature — unique identifying pattern

Doctors look for a particular chemical signature in the blood to diagnose the illness.

chemical signature in [substance]

Common collocations
  • genetic signature
  • chemical signature
  • spectral signature
  • signature of a disease
Synonyms
  • fingerprint

    more informal synonym, especially for genetic or chemical identifiers; 'signature' sounds more technical

  • profile

    a broader term that may include multiple characteristics, not always uniquely identifying

Grammar Patterns

signature + of + noun

genetic/chemical signature

Usage Note

Common in scientific writing. Typical compounds include 'genetic signature', 'chemical signature', 'spectral signature', and 'biochemical signature'. The noun that follows 'signature of' identifies what is being characterised.

4. a quality, detail, or style that is very typical of a particular person, place,

4.nounB2
Definition

a quality, detail, or style that is very typical of a particular person, place, or thing and makes others think of them immediately

Example

The chef's signature is the use of fresh herbs in almost every dish.

Bright colours are the signature of Walid's painting style.

signature of [person]'s [style]

Common collocations
  • be the signature of
  • become the signature of
  • signature style
Synonyms
  • hallmark

    similar meaning but emphasises a mark of quality or excellence; 'hallmark' is stronger for positive traits

  • trademark

    can be used figuratively like 'signature', but also has a legal meaning (registered brand mark)

Grammar Patterns

signature + of + noun

become the signature of [person/place]

Usage Note

Often used with 'become' or 'is' to describe what someone or something is famous for. The pattern 'signature of + noun' introduces the person, place, or thing that owns the quality.

Common Mistakes

The signature of the company is excellent service' (vague).
Excellent service is the signature of the company.
The quality comes first as the subject, and 'signature' links it to the source.

signature — adjective

Word family

  • sign
    verbA2
  • sign
    nounA2
  • signatory
    nounC1
  • signage
    nounB2
  • signing
    nounB1

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/4

These three words all describe a distinctive quality that identifies a person, place, or thing. 'Signature' emphasises personal or creative identity — a chef's signature is about their unique cooking approach, not just a brand. 'Hallmark' comes from the official stamp on gold and silver, so it carries a sense of guaranteed quality or excellence ('patience is the hallmark of a good teacher'). 'Trademark' has a dual life: legally it is a registered brand identifier (the Nike swoosh), but figuratively it means a very distinctive personal habit or trait ('sarcasm is his trademark'). Use 'signature' for the creative or artistic identity of a person or place; use 'hallmark' for a quality mark; use 'trademark' for a recognisable brand or a quirky personal habit.

signature ↗hallmarktrademark ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

Phrases

  • put your signature
  • bear someone's signature
  • for signature
  • upon signature
  • witness the signature

Prepositions

Etymology

LatinFrenchEnglish

Signature comes from the Latin word 'signare' (to mark or to sign), which comes from 'signum' (a mark, sign, or token). The word travelled through French 'signature' before entering English in the 1500s. Originally it meant any distinguishing mark or stamp. Over time it narrowed to mean a person's handwritten name used for identification and agreement. The broader meaning — a distinguishing quality or feature — re-emerged in the 1900s.