What does signature mean?
A signature is a person's name or distinctive mark placed on a document to identify the writer and indicate agreement, consent, or authority. The word can also refer to a characteristic feature that makes a person's work recognizable, as in a musician's signature rhythm or a chef's signature dish. Less formally, it may mean approval or endorsement, such as when a proposal has “someone's signature.” In digital communication, a digital signature serves as a technological means of authenticating a document or transaction. The term is generally formal, but familiar through signatures on contracts, letters, schoolbooks, and autograph books. In music, the word can also identify the key or time pattern of a composition. Across these senses, the central idea is a recognizable mark that confirms identity, authorship, agreement, or distinctiveness.
A name or mark written at the end of a document or official record as evidence of identity, agreement, or authorization; by extension, a distinctive identifying feature.
"The bank required the customer's signature on the withdrawal form."
The word also means the written mark of a particular person, the authorizing mark on a contract, a characteristic feature of creative work, and the written authorization attached to a musical composition.
Characteristically identifying or distinctive of a particular person, work, or institution.
"The restaurant is famous for its signature grilled cheese sandwich."
This attributive use is especially common with “dish,” “move,” “style,” “sound,” and similar terms.
To add a digital signature to a document, message, or electronic transaction.
"The software can sign the form digitally and submit it immediately."
This use is chiefly associated with computing and digital authentication.
The standard plural is used for individual handwritten or digital marks and for documents requiring multiple people to authorize them.
"The petition needs three additional signatures before it can be filed."
A signature began as proof of consent; today it can also prove identity with a single encrypted click.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does signature come from?
The word comes from Latin signature, meaning “a signing” or “written sign,” formed from signare, “to sign or mark,” which is related to signum, “a sign.” It entered English in the late medieval period and initially referred to the act of signing or the mark used to authenticate a document. Over time, its meaning broadened to include an identifying characteristic and, informally, a person's approval or endorsement.
How signature is actually used
The noun is formal and common in legal, administrative, and personal contexts. As an adjective, it describes something especially characteristic of a person or institution. The verb is chiefly used in computing and administrative contexts and is less common in everyday speech.
Easily confused with signature
A signature is the written name or mark itself, whereas a signatory is the person who signs a document.