digital signature: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Technical, Business/Legal
Quick answer
What does “digital signature” mean?
A cryptographic technique that uses encryption to verify the authenticity and integrity of a digital message, document, or piece of software, confirming it originated from a specific sender and has not been altered.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A cryptographic technique that uses encryption to verify the authenticity and integrity of a digital message, document, or piece of software, confirming it originated from a specific sender and has not been altered.
The implementation of a cryptographic code, unique to the signer and the data, attached to a digital document or transaction. It serves the same legal and practical purpose as a handwritten signature or stamped seal, but with greater inherent security, enabling verification of origin, identity, and data integrity.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical or definitional differences. 'Digital signature' is the universal term in both varieties. Spelling of related words like 'authorisation/authorization' and 'centre/center' may differ.
Connotations
Equally technical and formal in both regions.
Frequency
Equally common in professional, technical, and business contexts in both the UK and US. The frequency correlates with the digitalisation/digitalization of business processes.
Grammar
How to Use “digital signature” in a Sentence
[Entity] applies/attaches a digital signature to [document/message].[Entity] verifies/validates the digital signature on [document/message].The [document/contract] was signed with a digital signature.This requires a valid digital signature.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “digital signature” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The software will digitally sign the document upon authorisation.
- You need to digitally sign the PDF before returning it.
American English
- The platform requires you to digitally sign the agreement.
- The developer digitally signed the application to verify its origin.
adverb
British English
- The file was signed digitally, not physically.
- The contract is executed digitally via our secure portal.
American English
- The approval was handled digitally through the new system.
- You can authorise the payment digitally.
adjective
British English
- The digital-signature algorithm (DSA) is widely used.
- We offer a digital-signature service for all official correspondence.
American English
- The IRS accepts digital-signature filings.
- Ensure you have a digital-signature certificate installed.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used for signing contracts, approving financial transactions, and authorising official documents to ensure non-repudiation and legal validity.
Academic
Used in computer science papers on cryptography, cybersecurity research, and legal studies on electronic authentication.
Everyday
Rare. May be encountered when installing software ('verified by a digital signature'), filing taxes online, or signing a digital rental agreement.
Technical
Core term in cybersecurity, PKI, blockchain, and software development. Refers to specific algorithms (e.g., RSA, ECDSA) and standards (e.g., PAdES, XAdES).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “digital signature”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “digital signature”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “digital signature”
- Pronouncing 'signature' as /ˈsaɪɡ.nə.tʃər/ (incorrect). Correct is /ˈsɪɡ.nə.tʃə(r)/.
- Using 'digital signature' and 'electronic signature' as strict synonyms in technical contexts (a digital signature is a specific, cryptographic type of electronic signature).
- Writing 'digitial signature' (misspelling).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In broad legal language, 'electronic signature' (e-signature) is an umbrella term for any electronic process indicating acceptance. A 'digital signature' is a specific, cryptographic type of electronic signature that offers higher security by binding the signature to the document with encryption, providing verification of signer identity and document integrity.
A properly implemented digital signature using robust cryptography (like RSA 2048-bit or ECDSA) is computationally infeasible to forge. It relies on a private key that should be kept secret by the signer. Forgery would require compromising this private key.
You typically need: 1) A digital certificate issued by a trusted Certificate Authority (CA), which contains your public key and identity. 2) Corresponding private key, stored securely (often on a smart card, hardware token, or in a protected keystore). 3) Software that can apply the cryptographic signing algorithm using your private key.
Yes, in most jurisdictions worldwide (e.g., under eIDAS in the EU/UK, ESIGN Act in the US, and similar laws). They are legally recognised and carry the same weight as handwritten signatures, provided they meet certain technical standards (like being 'qualified' under eIDAS) and the context of the agreement is valid.
A cryptographic technique that uses encryption to verify the authenticity and integrity of a digital message, document, or piece of software, confirming it originated from a specific sender and has not been altered.
Digital signature is usually formal, technical, business/legal in register.
Digital signature: in British English it is pronounced /ˌdɪdʒ.ɪ.təl ˈsɪɡ.nə.tʃər/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌdɪdʒ.ə.t̬əl ˈsɪɡ.nə.tʃɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To put your digital John Hancock on something (informal, US-influenced)”
- “Signed, sealed, and delivered (digitally)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of it as a **'digital DNA stamp'** – it's a unique, unforgeable code (like DNA) that is stamped onto a file, proving exactly who it's from and that it hasn't been changed.
Conceptual Metaphor
A SIGNATURE IS A LOCK/SEAL. The act of creating a digital signature is 'locking' the document with your private key; verifying it is using the public key to check if the 'seal' is intact and authentic.
Practice
Quiz
What is the PRIMARY purpose of a digital signature?