signsign /saɪn/ noun 1 
something that gives people information or instructions► sign
something that gives people information or instructions► sign a piece of paper, metal, or wood with words or a picture that gives people information, warnings, or instructions: The sign on the door of the restaurant said “Open.” In some parts of Canada, the road signs are in both French and English.
► notice a piece of paper with information, that someone has put on a wall or door in a public place: I’ll put up a notice about the book sale on the bulletin board of the coffee shop.
► poster a large printed piece of paper that is put on a wall in a public place, and that gives information about something that is going to happen, for example a movie or concert: At the theater there are old movie posters hanging on the walls.
2 an event or fact that shows something is true or will happen► sign an event or fact that shows that something is true or that something will happen: A score of 80 or more on the physical test is a sign that you are very healthy. Clara is only four years old but already shows signs of great talent in art.
► indication AWL (formal) indication means the same as sign: There are indications that we can easily win the election. There was no indication of forced entry to the building.
► symptom a sign that someone has an illness or that a serious problem exists: Common symptoms of diabetes are weight loss and fatigue. Rising crime rates are another symptom of a society in trouble.
► trace AWL a very small sign that a particular situation exists or is true: He tried to look serious, but there was a trace of a smile on his face.
3 a picture or shape that has a particular meaning► sign a picture or shape that has a particular meaning: The sign “%” is the percentage sign. Remember to put the dollar sign before the total amount.
► symbol AWL a picture, shape, or design that has a particular meaning or represents an idea: For many people, a red rose is a symbol of love.
► emblem a picture, shape, or object that represents something such as a country or organization: The bald eagle is the official emblem of the United States.
► logo a sign that has been designed to represent an organization, company, or product: His baseball cap has the Yankees baseball team logo on it.
➔ see signal1, signal2, write