What does "signing" mean?

1. (contract or agreement) the act of writing your name on a formal document to make it official. 2. (new team member) a person, usually a famous athlete or musician, who has just joined a new team or company. 3. (book event) an event where an author signs copies of their book for fans. 4. (sign language) the act of communicating using your hands and gestures.

signing

US //ˈsaɪnɪŋ// UK //sˈaɪnɪŋ// sign·ing

1 contract or agreement (n.)
B1 Intermediate Law

the act of writing your name on a formal document to make it official.

the formal act of endorsing a contract or legal document with a signature to signify agreement.

Example

The signing of the peace treaty took place in the capital city.

Example

The official signing of the merger was delayed by several hours while lawyers reviewed the final clauses regarding intellectual property.
- endorsement
- ratification
2 new team member (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Sport

a person, usually a famous athlete or musician, who has just joined a new team or company.

a person, typically a professional athlete or entertainer, who has recently been recruited or contracted by an organisation.

Example

The team's latest signing scored two goals in his first match.

Example

The manager described the young defender as a crucial signing who would provide much-needed stability to the back line this season.
- recruit
- acquisition
- departure

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3 book event (n.)
B1 Intermediate

an event where an author signs copies of their book for fans.

a promotional event, typically held at a bookstore, where an author autographs copies of their work for the public.

Example

I waited in line for an hour at the book signing to meet my favourite writer.

Example

The publisher organised a nationwide tour, including several high-profile signings at major city libraries to boost initial sales figures.
- autograph session
4 sign language (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

the act of communicating using your hands and gestures.

the use of manual communication and body language to convey meaning, typically within the deaf community.

Example

She was so fast at signing that I could barely keep up with the translation.

Example

The conference provided a dedicated interpreter to ensure that the signing was clearly visible to all participants in the auditorium.
- manual communication