countersign

noun

coun·​ter·​sign ˈkau̇n-tər-ˌsīn How to pronounce countersign (audio)
1
: a signature attesting the authenticity of a document already signed by another
2
: a sign given in reply to another
specifically : a military secret signal that must be given by one wishing to pass a guard
countersign transitive verb
countersignature
ˌkau̇n-tər-ˈsig-nə-ˌchu̇r How to pronounce countersign (audio)
-chər
-ˌtyu̇r
-ˌtu̇r
noun

Examples of countersign in a Sentence

the guard demanded the countersign
Recent Examples on the Web Blue dot signs have inspired Republican countersigns. Christina Elizabeth Dando, The Conversation, 22 Oct. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'countersign.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1591, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of countersign was in 1591

Dictionary Entries Near countersign

Cite this Entry

“Countersign.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/countersign. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

countersign

1 of 2 noun
coun·​ter·​sign
ˈkau̇nt-ər-ˌsīn
: a sign used in reply to another
especially : password

countersign

2 of 2 verb
: to add one's signature to a document after another has already signed it in order to confirm its genuineness
countersignature
ˌkau̇nt-ər-ˈsig-nə-ˌchu̇(ə)r
-chər
noun

Legal Definition

countersign

noun
coun·​ter·​sign ˈkau̇n-tər-ˌsīn How to pronounce countersign (audio)
: a signature attesting the authenticity of a document already signed by another

More from Merriam-Webster on countersign

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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