Signage: meaning, definitions and examples

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signage

[ ˈsaɪnɪdʒ ]

Noun

^{Context #1 | Noun}

advertising

Signage refers to the design or use of signs and symbols to communicate a message to a specific group, usually for the purpose of marketing or identification.

Synonyms

banners, signboards, signs.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
signage	Used for the collective description of signs or a system of signs, usually in a professional or business setting. Effective signage can help guide customers through a large shopping mall. The company worked with a design firm to create new signage for their offices.
signs	A general term used for any kind of visual display containing information, which can be used in a variety of settings including roads, shops, and events. Street signs are essential for giving directions to drivers. No smoking signs were placed throughout the building.
signboards	Refers to physical boards that display signs or information, often found at roadsides, shops, or public spaces. The store owner replaced the old signboard with a more modern one. Drivers rely on signboards to navigate unfamiliar routes.
banners	Typically refers to large, flexible signs that can be hung or displayed in prominent places, often used for advertising, celebrations, or events. They hung banners across the street to advertise the upcoming festival. Welcome banners were positioned at the entrance of the school for the new term.

Examples of usage

Effective signage can attract more customers to a business.
The hotel invested in new signage to improve visibility.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

urban planning

In urban planning, signage plays a crucial role in directing traffic, providing information, and enhancing the overall aesthetics of a city.

Synonyms

directional signs, street signs, wayfinding.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
signage	General term for all types of signs, usually used for branding, advertising, or informational purposes within a space like buildings, parks, or campuses. The new museum features modern signage to guide visitors Effective signage can enhance a business' brand identity
wayfinding	Comprehensive term for systems that help people navigate through physical spaces, includes maps, symbols, and directional signs. The airport's wayfinding system was recently updated to improve passenger flow Good wayfinding is essential for a positive visitor experience in large venues
directional signs	Specifically used to show directions within a complex or area. Often used in large facilities like hospitals, shopping malls, and airports. Directional signs helped the visitors find their way to the conference room The mall installed new directional signs for better guidance
street signs	Typically used outdoors on the streets to control traffic, provide street names, or give specific instructions to drivers and pedestrians. Street signs indicated a detour due to construction The new street signs made navigation easier for tourists

Examples of usage

The city council implemented new signage to improve pedestrian safety.
Clear signage is essential for visitors to navigate the city.

Translations

Translations of the word "signage" in other languages:

🇵🇹 sinalização

🇮🇳 संकेत

🇩🇪 Beschilderung

🇮🇩 penunjuk

🇺🇦 знаки

🇵🇱 oznakowanie

🇯🇵 標識 (ひょうしき)

🇫🇷 signalisation

🇪🇸 señalización

🇹🇷 tabela

🇰🇷 표지판

🇸🇦 لافتات

🇨🇿 značení

🇸🇰 označenie

🇨🇳 标志 (biāozhì)

🇸🇮 označevanje

🇮🇸 merkingar

🇰🇿 белгілер

🇬🇪 ნიშნები

🇦🇿 işarələr

🇲🇽 señalización

Etymology

The term 'signage' originated in the late 19th century, derived from the word 'sign', which has been used in various forms since ancient times. With the rise of advertising and urban development, the need for clear and effective signage became increasingly important, leading to the modern usage of the term.