imprimatur

noun

im·​pri·​ma·​tur ˌim-prə-ˈmä-ˌtu̇r  im-ˈpri-mə-ˌtu̇r 

-ˌtyu̇r

1

a

: sanction, approval

b

: imprint

c

: a mark of approval or distinction

2

a

: a license to print or publish especially by Roman Catholic episcopal authority

b

: approval of a publication under circumstances of official censorship

Did you know?

Imprimatur means "let it be printed" in New Latin. It comes from Latin imprimere, meaning to "imprint" or "impress." In the 1600s, the word appeared in the front matter of books, accompanied by the name of an official authorizing the book's printing. In time, English speakers began using imprimatur in the general sense of "official approval."

Synonyms

• approbation
• approval
• blessing
• favor
• OK
• okay

Examples of imprimatur in a Sentence

He gave the book his imprimatur.

could not begin the project without the boss's imprimatur

Recent Examples on the Web

This feels like a moment manufactured for him, as Las Vegas furthers the polishing of its image with the imprimatur of the N.F.L., which has made a seminal turn of its own with a public embrace of the gambling industry. —Billy Witz Sinna Nasseri, New York Times, 10 Feb. 2024

Representatives of the Broadway League, which includes many producers, theater owners and operators, are more inclined to support the first option, as many shows may not be able to survive for months on end without the imprimatur of a Tony on their marquees and promotional materials. —Scott Feinberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 12 May 2023

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, let it be printed, from imprimere to print, from Latin, to imprint, impress — more at impress entry 1

First Known Use

1640, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

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Kids Definition

imprimatur

noun

im·​pri·​ma·​tur ˌim-prə-ˈmä-tu̇(ə)r 

: official approval (as to print or publish)