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sign on
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.
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.
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.
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]
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.