What does signifier mean?
A signifier is the perceptible form through which meaning is communicated: a spoken word, written mark, image, gesture, or other sign. In linguistics and semiotics, it is commonly contrasted with the signified, the concept or mental idea to which the form refers. Thus, in a particular language, a word’s sounds and spelling are its signifier, while the idea it invokes is its signified. The term is also used more broadly for anything that indicates a quality or condition, though this sense is less central. For example, a particular color in a visual design may function as a signifier of prestige or urgency. Signifier is mainly a technical term associated with linguistics, semiotics, literary criticism, and cultural analysis, rather than everyday speech. It is useful for discussing not only what signs represent, but also the particular forms through which people create and recognize those meanings.
nounIn linguistics and semiotics, a signifier is a form, such as a word, sound, image, or gesture, that represents or points to something else. More generally, it means something or someone that signifies or represents an idea, quality, or meaning.
- In linguistics and semiotics, a perceptible form such as a word, sound, image, or gesture that represents a concept or object.
- More generally, a person, thing, or sign that indicates or conveys a particular quality or meaning.
"In Saussurean semiotics, the spoken word is the signifier and the concept it evokes is the signified."
"The signifier is the sound-image, while the signified is the mental concept associated with it."
"The bright color functions as a visual signifier of importance in the design."
Used when referring to multiple forms, signals, or agents that represent meaning.
"The exhibition examines how color and shape function as signifiers of social status."
In semiotics, the signifier is what you encounter; the signified is what your mind interprets.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does signifier come from?
The word combines the Latin-derived sign, meaning a mark or indication, with the suffix -fier, which forms nouns indicating an agent or instrument. The underlying Latin verb significare meant to show, indicate, or mean, and its English relatives include signify, significant, and signature. The specialized use of signifier in semiotics became prominent through the terminology of modern structural linguistics and linguistics-based approaches to meaning.
Related word forms
How signifier is actually used
The word is primarily used in academic linguistics, semiotics, literary criticism, and related fields. It is more technical than the general words symbol, sign, or indicator, and should not be confused with signify, which is a verb.
Easily confused with signifier
A sign is the broader concept of anything that communicates meaning, while a signifier specifically names the perceptible form that performs that communicative function.
Signify is a verb meaning to represent, indicate, or have meaning, whereas a signifier is a noun naming the form or element that does so.