signatory

Everyday

1. (formal) A signatory is a person, group or country that has signed an official agreement, contract or treaty. tree →
2. (formal, money) A signatory on a bank account is a person allowed to sign cheques and approve payments. tree →

In the lessons

In history and news, countries are signatories to treaties, such as agreements on human rights or the environment. In adult life and law, both sides of a contract are signatories. In clubs and charities, two signatories may be needed to pay money. Phrases: "signatory to", "the signatories of the treaty", "authorised signatory".

Examples

• (formal) Over a hundred countries are signatories to the treaty. tree →
• All the signatories must sign on the last page. tree →
• Both my parents are signatories on the house contract. tree →
• (money) The club treasurer is a signatory on the bank account. tree →
• (formal) The signatories agreed to protect the rainforest. tree →
• Every pupil in the class became a signatory to our class charter. tree →

Note

Countable: a signatory, signatories (y → ies). It is formal; the everyday verb is "sign" and the noun "signature" is your name written in your own way. Do not confuse "signatory" (the person) with "signature" (the written name).