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sign on

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sign on

to announce the beginning of a broadcast transmission. The announcer signed on and then played "The Star-Spangled Banner." We usually sign on at six in the morning.

See also: on, sign

sign on (with someone or something) (as something)

to join up with someone or something in a particular capacity by signing a contract or agreement. I signed on with the captain of the Felicity Anne as first mate. Roger signed on as manager for the new store.

See also: on, sign

sign someone on

to employ someone; to recruit someone as an employee. How many workers did the manager sign on? The construction company signed on ten new workers.

See also: on, sign

sign on

1. Enlist oneself as an employee, as in Arthur decided to sign on with the new software company. [Late 1800s]

2. Begin radio or television broadcasting, especially at the beginning of the day, as in What time does the station sign on? [c. 1920]

See also: on, sign

sign on

v.

1. To enlist oneself, especially as an employee: He signed on for two years with the Peace Corps. She signed on as a sales representative and was soon promoted to district manager.

2. To start transmission with an identification of the broadcasting station: Our local public television station signs on every morning at 6:00.

See also: on, sign