signified

American

[sig-nuh-fahyd] / ˈsɪg nəˌfaɪd /

noun

Semiotics.

the thing or concept denoted by an arrangement of sounds or symbols, an object, an action, etc., which constitutes a pattern or unit, and which communicates meaning.

Etymology

Origin of signified

First recorded in 1630–40; signify + -ed ²

Compare meaning

How does signified compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

signifier vs. signified

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Palantir’s Artificial Intelligence Platform signified a breakthrough, as customers realized Palantir could provide AI solutions that were effective, Luria said.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 4, 2026

This time, there were no protests, no one declaring that malinchismo — behavior mirroring that of Malinche — signified a peculiar iteration of Mexican self-hatred.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 25, 2026

In popular usage, it assumes the thing signified must be false, whereas people do conspire, and it is reasonable to devise theories about their schemes.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 23, 2025

That moment in Northampton signified how far not only Hele has come, but South African women's rugby as a whole.

From BBC • Sep. 12, 2025

She gave it to the old woman who attended her and signified that it was for the Queen.

From "Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes" by Edith Hamilton

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023