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

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 19 Mar. 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

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