autograph

C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Art Technical · Formal

n. a document or piece of music written by the author's own hand, not printed.

n. a manuscript or musical score written in the author's or composer's own handwriting rather than being typed or printed.

“The museum displayed the composer's autograph score of the famous symphony.”

“Scholars examined the autograph manuscript to identify revisions the poet had made before the first edition went to press.”

B1 · Intermediate

v. to sign your name on something, especially if you are famous.

v. to write one's signature on a book, photograph, or other item, typically at the request of an admirer.

“The author agreed to autograph copies of her new book after the talk.”

“The lead singer spent nearly an hour autographing posters and memorabilia for the crowd gathered behind the stage door.”

C1 · Advanced Art Technical

adj. written or made by the original author or artist themselves.

adj. written in the author's own handwriting or produced by the artist personally; denotes authenticity.

“The library holds several autograph letters written by the former president.”

“The auction house verified the autograph nature of the sketch, confirming it was indeed a preliminary study by the master himself.”