autograph

UK: ˈɔːtəɡrɑːf | US: ˈɔːtəɡræf

Definition

  1. n. a person’s handwritten signature, especially that of a famous person

  2. n. a manuscript or document written by the author’s own hand

  3. vt. to write one’s signature on (something)

Structure
auto <self, from Greek *autos*>graph <write, from Greek *graphein*>
Etymology

The word autograph originates from Greek, combining auto- (meaning "self") and -graph (meaning "write"). It originally referred to anything written by one’s own hand, later narrowing to specifically denote signatures of notable individuals. The morphemes reflect the literal idea of "self-writing," preserving their Greek roots in modern English spelling.

Examples

  1. The celebrity signed an autograph for her fan.

  2. This rare book contains the author’s original autograph.

  3. He autographed the baseball for the young collector.

  4. Collectors value autographs of historical figures.

  5. She asked the speaker to autograph her copy of the novel.