sign in: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
highneutral, common in both formal and informal contexts, especially in digital and administrative settings.
Quick answer
What does “sign in” mean?
To record one's arrival at a place or one's access to a system, typically by writing one's name or entering credentials.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To record one's arrival at a place or one's access to a system, typically by writing one's name or entering credentials.
To formally begin a session on a computer, website, or app by providing identification; to register attendance at an event, hotel, or workplace.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal. In computing, 'log in' is equally common in both varieties, but 'sign in' is standard. British English may use 'sign in' more frequently for physical guestbooks or attendance registers.
Connotations
Neutral in both. In American business contexts, 'sign in' can sometimes imply a simpler, less secure process than 'log in'.
Frequency
Very high frequency in both varieties due to digital ubiquity.
Grammar
How to Use “sign in” in a Sentence
[NP] sign in (to [NP])[NP] sign [NP] in[NP] sign in [NP] (less common)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “sign in” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Please sign in at the front desk when you arrive.
- I had to sign my guest in at the security gate.
- You can sign in using your email and password.
American English
- Sign in here to access the conference materials.
- The receptionist will sign you in and give you a badge.
- I signed in to my account from a new device.
adverb
British English
- (Rarely used as an adverb; typically part of the verb phrase)
American English
- (Rarely used as an adverb; typically part of the verb phrase)
adjective
British English
- Please fill out the sign-in sheet before the meeting.
- The sign-in process is straightforward.
American English
- Make sure you have your sign-in credentials ready.
- There's a sign-in page that loads first.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
"All visitors must sign in at the reception desk for security reasons."
Academic
"Students are required to sign in to the online learning portal to access course materials."
Everyday
"I can't see my emails until I sign in to my account."
Technical
"The API endpoint validates the user's credentials when they attempt to sign in."
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “sign in”
- Using 'sign in' when 'sign up' (register) is meant.
- Incorrect preposition: 'sign in on' instead of 'sign in to/at'.
- Writing as one word: 'signin'.
- Using it transitively without object: 'I will sign in you' (correct: 'I will sign you in').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
They are largely interchangeable in digital contexts. 'Log in' originated in computing, while 'sign in' has a broader history with physical registers. 'Sign in' is sometimes perceived as slightly less technical.
As a verb, it is two words: 'sign in'. The noun or adjective form is often hyphenated: 'sign-in sheet'.
Yes, it's commonly used for physical locations like offices, hotels, or events where you record your arrival in a book or with a person.
The direct opposite is 'sign out' or 'log out' for digital systems. For physical locations, 'sign out' or 'check out' is used.
To record one's arrival at a place or one's access to a system, typically by writing one's name or entering credentials.
Sign in is usually neutral, common in both formal and informal contexts, especially in digital and administrative settings. in register.
Sign in: in British English it is pronounced /saɪn ɪn/, and in American English it is pronounced /saɪn ɪn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Sign on the dotted line (related, but not identical)”
- “Punch in (for work attendance)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a physical SIGN (like a name tag) you put INto a system or book to show you're present.
Conceptual Metaphor
ACCESS IS ENTERING A SECURE SPACE (you cross a threshold by signing in).
Practice
Quiz
In which situation would you most likely 'sign in'?