autograph

Everyday

1. A famous person's signature, written for a fan to keep. tree →
2. (verb) To sign your name on something, such as a book, photo or shirt, for someone. tree →
3. (formal) A piece of writing in the author's own hand. tree →

In the lessons

Used in everyday life when meeting famous people, at book signings and in end-of-year autograph books where friends sign. It tells the reader someone values a personal signature. Phrases: get an autograph, autograph book, signed and autographed.

Examples

• I got the footballer's autograph on my shirt! tree →
• The author autographed copies of her new book. tree →
• At the end of term we all signed each other's autograph books. tree →
• He queued for an hour to get an autograph. tree →
• This autographed photo is very special. tree →
• Can I have your autograph, please? tree →
• The singer autographed my ticket. tree →

Note

Countable: autographs. "Auto" means self, "graph" means writing. A signature on a form is not usually called an autograph; autograph is for fans and keepsakes.