Etymology Map
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Sign

3 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means a gesture or symbol conveying meaning

Where does the word "sign" come from? It comes from Latin signum, passing through Old French before entering English (1200s).

1
Stage 1 of 3
signum
Latin · ancient
"mark, token"
the root of 'signal' and 'signature'
2
Stage 2 of 3
signe
Old French · medieval
"sign"
a mark or miracle
3
Stage 3 of 3
sign
English · 1200s
"mark"
road 'signs' date from the 1800s
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Read the full story

Sign’s story begins in Latin: signum meant “mark, token.” The root of 'signal' and 'signature'. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as signe. A mark or miracle. It reached English by 1200s as sign. Road 'signs' date from the 1800s. Today, sign means a gesture or symbol conveying meaning.