identification

noun

iden·​ti·​fi·​ca·​tion ī-ˌden-tə-fə-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce identification (audio)
ə-
1
a
: an act of identifying : the state of being identified
b
: evidence of identity
2
a
: psychological orientation of the self in regard to something (such as a person or group) with a resulting feeling of close emotional association
b
: a largely unconscious process whereby an individual models thoughts, feelings, and actions after those attributed to an object that has been incorporated as a mental image

Examples of identification in a Sentence

A member of the family was brought in for identification of the body. The birds are tagged for easy identification. The police have made a positive identification of the suspect. You need two forms of identification. the movie audience's identification with the good guys
Recent Examples on the Web The nominees are listed below with an endorsement from their nominating teacher, the identification of their strongest specialty, their instrument(s) and a link to their work. Heide Janssen, Orange County Register, 17 Mar. 2024 Certainly the novel and film underscore that identification of ordinariness (though the film’s Rachel McAdams and Ryan Gosling take ordinary to a different level). Frank Rizzo, Variety, 15 Mar. 2024 Also, students, veterans and active-duty military can now get in the museum free any day with valid identification. Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Mar. 2024 Additionally, the act imposes limitations on, but doesn’t ban, the use of biometric identification systems in law enforcement. Sage Lazzaro, Fortune, 14 Mar. 2024 Families with children, the only participants in the debit card program, must have identification at intake for all family members. Nate Trela, USA TODAY, 13 Mar. 2024 Many beer fests are for folks who are 21 years and older with proof of identification, and they are held rain or shine. Jordyn Noennig, Journal Sentinel, 11 Mar. 2024 Some refugees in the town, like Chae-ran, had no identification documents and lived under the radar for fear of arrest and deportation back to North Korea – meaning they are often denied job opportunities, access to health care, and the ability to move freely. Jessie Yeung, CNN, 8 Mar. 2024 After a two-week trial, a jury in Brooklyn found Martin, 36, guilty on all counts of an indictment charging him with murder-for-hire, murder-for-hire conspiracy, wire fraud conspiracy, aggravated identify theft and fraudulent use of identification. Minnah Arshad, USA TODAY, 5 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'identification.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1644, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of identification was in 1644

Dictionary Entries Near identification

Cite this Entry

“Identification.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/identification. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

identification

noun
iden·​ti·​fi·​ca·​tion ī-ˌdent-ə-fə-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce identification (audio)
ə-ˌdent-
1
: an act of identifying : the state of being identified
2
: evidence of identity
carry identification at all times

Medical Definition

identification

noun
iden·​ti·​fi·​ca·​tion ī-ˌdent-ə-fə-ˈkā-shən, ə- How to pronounce identification (audio)
1
: an act of identifying : the state of being identified
2
a
: psychological orientation of the self in regard to something (as a person or group) with a resulting feeling of close emotional association
b
: a largely unconscious process whereby an individual models thoughts, feelings, and actions after those attributed to an object that has been incorporated as a mental image
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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