# signing

/ˈsaɪnɪŋ/ (US) · /sˈaɪnɪŋ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/signing
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. contract or agreement

noun · CEFR B1

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

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

- The signing of the peace treaty took place in the capital city.
- The official signing of the merger was delayed by several hours while lawyers reviewed the final clauses regarding intellectual property.

### 2. new team member

noun · CEFR B2

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

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

- The team's latest signing scored two goals in his first match.
- The manager described the young defender as a crucial signing who would provide much-needed stability to the back line this season.

### 3. book event

noun · CEFR B1

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

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

- I waited in line for an hour at the book signing to meet my favourite writer.
- The publisher organised a nationwide tour, including several high-profile signings at major city libraries to boost initial sales figures.

### 4. sign language

noun · CEFR B2

the act of communicating using your hands and gestures.

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

- She was so fast at signing that I could barely keep up with the translation.
- The conference provided a dedicated interpreter to ensure that the signing was clearly visible to all participants in the auditorium.

## Examples

- The signing of the contract takes place tomorrow.
- The team's latest signing is a young striker from Brazil who scored twenty goals last season.
- The official signing of the peace treaty was broadcast live to millions, marking a symbolic end to decades of border disputes and economic sanctions.

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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.