Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

signifier

/ˈsɪɡnɪfaɪɚ/

Word Rarity Very rare

Frequency: Zipf frequency 2.28 in modern English

Syllables: sig-ni-fi-er
IPA: /ˈsɪɡnɪfaɪɚ/

13

Scrabble Score

9

Letters

4

Syllables

7

Unique Chars

Meaning

noun

Something or someone that signifies, makes something more significant or important.

noun

Something or someone that signifies, makes something more significant or important.

noun

A sign, such as a written or spoken word, which refers to some concept, object or person, the signified.

Example Sentences

"If commentators have concurred on the characterization of Reagan as a synecdoche, they have also noted his status as a signifier."
"Here things are getting better and better for women and people of color, and gay men and lesbians, more and more integrated and open, and all you can think about is some stupid, lame problem with signifiers and signifieds."

Etymology

From signify + -er.

Regional Pronunciation

American English: /ˈsɪɡnɪfaɪɚ/
British English: /ˈsɪɡnɪfaɪə/

Inflected Forms

signifiers (plural)

Phrases

empty signifier floating signifier master signifier

Frequently Paired Words

signified referent

Synonyms

significator form word form descriptor

Questions

How do you pronounce signifier?: The recorded pronunciation is /ˈsɪɡnɪfaɪɚ/.
What does signifier mean?: Something or someone that signifies, makes something more significant or important.
Where does signifier come from?: From signify + -er.

How to pronounce signifier

Open the pronunciation page — Open the Speakur entry for “signifier”.
Read the phonetic spelling — Read the IPA spelling (/ˈsɪɡnɪfaɪɚ/) so you know which sounds to aim for.
Play the audio — Click Play to hear reference audio for “signifier”.
Repeat and practice — Say “signifier” aloud, matching stress and vowels until it feels natural.