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Synonyms

signifier

American  
[sig-nuh-fahy-er] / ˈsɪg nəˌfaɪ ər /

noun

  1. a person or thing that signifies.

  2. Semiotics. something, such as an arrangement of sounds or symbols, an object, or an action, which constitutes a pattern or unit, and which communicates meaning.


Etymology

Origin of signifier

First recorded in 1525–35; signify + -er 1

Compare meaning

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Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

“That sense of immediacy — and not imbuing something with outside signifiers of value — lets the fragile piece of paper speak for itself.”

From Los Angeles Times

And while those in the highest income range are more likely to be optimistic, being middle income or having a bachelor’s degree isn’t much of a signifier of optimism or pessimism.

From The Wall Street Journal

For white authors and readers, Morrison argued, blackness has been more metaphoric than real, a signifier of certain behavioral expectations.

From The Wall Street Journal

Bad Bunny’s signifiers were subtler, although some may not have contained the meaning people read into them.

From Salon

A statement from trust said it had already implemented a programme of "signifier change".

From BBC