sign · noun C /sɑɪn/Full view
Nouns: sign, signal, signatory, signature, signing
Adjectives: signed, unsigned
Verbs: sign, signal
sign (NOTICE)
A2 a symbol or message in a public place that gives information or instructions
Dictionary examples:

a stop sign

I saw a "For Rent" sign in the window.

Learner example:

And it [is] easy to get there, just follow the sign. (Key English Test; A2; Arabic)

sign (SHOWING)
B1 something which shows that something is happening or that it exists or is true
Dictionary examples:

Flowers are the first sign of spring.

There was nobody in the place, and I thought that was a bad sign.

His inability to handle the situation is a sign of weakness.

The fact that he's eating more is a sign that he's feeling better.

There's no sign of progress with the construction work.

Allie's work at school has shown signs of improvement.

There is every sign that the worst is over.

Learner example:

The bride and the groom meet at the church because it's a bad sign if the groom sees the bride before the ceremony. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Spanish)

sign (BODY MOVEMENT)
B1 a movement you make to give someone information or tell them what to do
Dictionary examples:

She pointed to her watch as a sign that it was getting late and she wanted to leave.

He made the thumbs up sign, so I knew everything was OK.

Give me a sign when you're ready to head home.

Learner example:

She looked at Paul and made a strange sign with her fingers. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Spanish)

sign (MARK)
B2 a written or printed mark which has a standard meaning
Dictionary examples:

+ and - are mathematical signs.

Use a dollar sign in the chart instead of writing the word, for example use $14, not 14 dollars.

The sign for the British pound is £.

no sign of sb/sth
B2 If there is no sign of someone or something, you cannot see them.
Dictionary examples:

By eight o'clock, there was still no sign of Janne.

She said she'd left the book on the table, but there's no sign of it.

Learner example:

He was supposed to come on Wednesday just like you told me but there was no sign of him. (First Certificate in English; B2; Swedish)

sign · verb I or T /sɑɪn/
Nouns: sign, signal, signatory, signature, signing
Adjectives: signed, unsigned
Verbs: sign, signal
sign
B1 to write your name on something to show that you created it or to show that you agree to it
Dictionary examples:

to sign a letter/form/check/contract/agreement

Sign here, please.

Jesse signed her name at the end of the letter.

He signed himself "Andrew Mahat."

She said the painting was by Picasso, but it wasn't signed.

Learner example:

It was signed "Fat Boy". (Preliminary English Test; B1; Farsi)

sign up
B1 to arrange to take part in an organized activity
Dictionary example:

I've signed up for evening classes at the community college.

Learner example:

If you are interested in other activities, just sign up for them [on] the notice board. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Swedish)

Cambridge logo