sign on

verb

signed on; signing on; signs on
Synonyms of sign onnext

intransitive verb

1
: to engage oneself by or as if by a signature
signed on to the new project
2
: to announce the start of broadcasting for the day
sign-on
ˈsī-ˌnȯn How to pronounce sign on (audio)
-ˌnän
noun

Synonyms of sign on

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Examples of sign on in a Sentence

I signed on for the crew team simply as a lark
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
So in 1995, the brothers launched a side hustle of their own, offering traffic safety—rental equipment, cones, barricades, and signs on the road, plus 24/7 emergency dispatch—all in one place. — Orianna Rosa Royle, Fortune, 4 Sep. 2026 The basis for the federal government creating state citizenship lists is an executive order Trump signed on March 31. — Jude Joffe-Block, NPR, 3 Sep. 2026 Multiple attempts to pass congressional legislation rescinding the medals have failed, with neither Rounds nor any other member of the state’s congressional delegation signing on as sponsors or cosponsors. — Meghan O'Brien, States Newsroom, 3 Sep. 2026 Kelli McNeil-Yellen has signed on to write the screenplay and Alexander Yellen will direct, Deadline reported. — Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 3 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sign on

Word History

First Known Use

1879, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of sign on was in 1879

Rhymes for sign on

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Browse Nearby Words

sign of the cross
sign on
sign one's own death warrant
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sign on.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sign%20on. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

sign on

verb
(ˈ)sī-ˈnȯn, 
-ˈnän
1
: to hire oneself by or as if by a signature
signed on as a member of the crew
2
: to announce the beginning of broadcasting
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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