sign
a perceptible indication of something not immediately apparent (as a visible clue that something has happened)
How often you will meet it
Rank 910 of 71,295 words measured. It occurs 20,273 times across 155,370 chapters — 0.010% of every word in the library.
It belongs to the first 1,000 words, the band worth learning before any other.
What it means
noun
- a perceptible indication of something not immediately apparent (as a visible clue that something has happened) also: mark he showed signs of strainthey welcomed the signs of spring
- a public display of a message he posted signs in all the shop windows
- any nonverbal action or gesture that encodes a message also: signal, signaling signals from the boat suddenly stopped
- structure displaying a board on which advertisements can be posted also: signboard the highway was lined with signboards
- (astrology) one of 12 equal areas into which the zodiac is divided also: sign of the zodiac, star sign, mansion, house, planetary house
- (medicine) any objective evidence of the presence of a disorder or disease there were no signs of asphyxiation
sign in real books
Each sentence below was written by a published author and is taken from a different book in our library. Open one to read the passage it came from, with narration.
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This little fellow had at first hidden behind his mother, but, at a sign from her, approached the gentleman.
Cornelli · Johanna Spyri · Chapter 1
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Feeling as guilty as the detective thought him, he paused there and examined the house for some sign of life.
The Abandoned Room · Wadsworth Camp · Chapter 1
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And this shall be a sign unto you: Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
The White Christmas and other Merry · Walter Ben Hare · Chapter 1
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For two weeks past, the communications had been completely restored; and there was as yet no sign of M. de Tregars.
Other People's Money · Emile Gaboriau · Chapter 1
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She rose obediently, and with no sign of protest began gathering an apronful of twigs and piling them for a fire.
The Heart of the Hills · John, Jr. Fox · Chapter 1