signatory

noun

sig·​na·​to·​ry ˈsig-nə-ˌtȯr-ē 

plural signatories

: a signer with another or others

signatories to a petition

especially : a government bound with others by a signed convention

signatory adjective

Did you know?

A signatory puts his or her signature on a document that is also signed by others. In 1215 the English barons revolted against King John and forced him to join them as a signatory to the Magna Carta. This agreement stated the barons' own duties to the King but also assigned the barons clear rights and limited the King's power over them. Though the Magna Carta did nothing for the common people, it's often been called the first step toward democracy in the English-speaking countries.

Examples of signatory in a Sentence

a signatory of the Declaration of Independence

Recent Examples on the Web

The groups behind the #BlockTheMerger coalition, which had amassed more than 5,700 signatories from actors, filmmakers and industry workers opposed to the deal, filed a brief with the court urging Martínez-Olguín to reject the settlement. — Todd Spangler, Variety, 3 Oct. 2026

As chief impact officer, Seidel will work with ZDHC staff and signatories to connect sustainable chemical management and implementation with measurable environmental results. — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 2 Oct. 2026

The signatories to Monday’s letter, seen by CNBC, pointed out that their six countries finance almost 40% of all member countries’ contributions to the budget. — Chloe Taylor, CNBC, 30 Sep. 2026

According to the Intercept, artists Peter Doig, Joan Jonas, Katharina Grosse, and Tomás Saraceno were among the original signatories to withdraw their support after pressure from patrons. — Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 29 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Latin signatorius of sealing, from signare

First Known Use

1826, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for signatory

• allegory
• amatory
• auditory
• category
• clerestory
• crematory
• desultory
• dilatory
• dormitory
• excretory
• feudatory
• gustatory

Legal Definition

signatory

noun

sig·​na·​to·​ry ˈsig-nə-ˌtōr-ē 

plural signatories

: a signer with another or others

signatories to a petition

especially : a government bound with others by a signed convention

signatory adjective