# autograph

/ˈɔtəˌɡɹæf/ (US) · /ˈɔːtəɡɹˌæf/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/autograph
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. celebrity signature

noun · CEFR B1

the signature of a famous person, usually written for a fan who admires them.

For teachers: a person's own handwriting, specifically the signature of a famous or admired individual collected by a devotee.

- The young fans waited outside the stadium for hours to get the player's autograph.
- The collector possessed a rare autograph of the reclusive author, signed on a napkin during a chance encounter in a Parisian café.

### 2. original manuscript

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical · Formal

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

For teachers: 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.

### 3. to sign for a fan

verb · CEFR B1

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

For teachers: 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.

### 4. handwritten by the creator

adjective · CEFR C1 · Technical

written or made by the original author or artist themselves.

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- She asked the singer for an autograph.
- The museum displays an autograph from the famous painter.
- Collectors prize the autograph not merely for its ink but for the historical moment it captures.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.