/saɪn ||; saɪn/noun[C] 1 sign (of sth) something that shows that sb/sth is present, exists or may happen 迹象；征兆；征候: The patient was showing some signsof improvement. 病人有好转的迹象。As we drove into the village there wasn't a sign of life anywhere (= we couldn't see anyone). 我们驾车入村，发现那里空无一人。
2 a piece of wood, paper, etc that has writing or a picture on it that gives you a piece of information, an instruction or a warning 指示牌；标牌；标志: What does that sign say? 牌上写的是什么？a road sign 道路标志Follow the signs to Banbury. 依照路标前往班伯里。 ☞picture at roundabout 见roundabout插图
3 a movement that you make with your head, hands or arms that has a particular meaning 示意的动作；手势: I made a sign for him to follow me. 我向他打个手势，叫他跟我走。I'll give you a signwhen it's time for you to speak. 轮到你发言的时候，我会向你做个手势。
4 a type of shape, mark or symbol that has a particular meaning 符号；记号: In mathematics, a cross is a plus sign. 在数学中，十字形是表示相加的符号。
5 (also ˌsign of the ˈzodiac) one of the twelve divisions or symbols of the ZODIAC （黄道十二宫之一的）宫，星座: I'm a Leo. What sign are you? 我属于狮子座，你属于哪个星座？
*sign²/saɪn ||; saɪn/verb1 [I,T] to write your name on a letter, document, etc to show that you have written it or that you agree with what it says 签名；签圣猍I] ‘Could you sign here, please?’ “请在这里签名。”I forgot to sign the cheque. 我忘记在支票上签名。The two presidents signed the treaty. 两国总统在条约上签了字。 ☞noun signature 名词为signature
2 [T] sign sb (up) to get sb to sign a contract to work for you （通过签定合约）雇用: Real Madrid have signed two new players. 皇家马德里队签约雇用两名新球员。
3 [I] to communicate using sign language （以手语）沟通，示意
sign in/out to write your name to show you have arrived at or left a hotel, club, etc 签名以示到达╱离开（旅馆、俱乐部等）
sign up (for sth) to agree formally to do sth 报名参加:
I've signed up for evening classes. 我报名学习夜校课程。