Illustration of fingerprint
- 1 arch
- 2 loop
- 3 whorl
- 4 composite
fingerprint
noun
fin·ger·print
ˈfiŋ-gər-ˌprint 
1
: the impression of a fingertip on any surface
also
: an ink impression of the lines upon the fingertip taken for the purpose of identification
2
: something that identifies: such as
a
: a trait, trace, or characteristic revealing origin or responsibility
b
: analytical evidence (such as a spectrogram) that characterizes an object or substance
especially
: the chromatogram or electrophoretogram obtained by cleaving a protein by enzymatic action and subjecting the resulting collection of peptides to two-dimensional chromatography or electrophoresis
c
: the base-pair pattern in an individual's DNA obtained by DNA fingerprinting
fingerprint
transitive verb
Synonyms
Examples of fingerprint in a Sentence
Detectives found his fingerprints all over the gun.
Everyone has a unique fingerprint.
Recent Examples on the Web
On the other hand, there’s evidence that the way people walk—something high-quality radar might well detect—is as distinctive as a fingerprint.
—
Steven Levy, WIRED, 5 Apr. 2024
These unique digital certificates act as fingerprints, permanently attached to a wide array of digital creations, from captivating artwork and soul-stirring music to intricate virtual lands and exclusive collectibles.
—Kyle Russell, Journal Sentinel, 28 Mar. 2024
Then detectives investigating another murder found Clark, who had left a fingerprint at the site where the five men were murdered.
—Charles Rabin, Miami Herald, 25 Mar. 2024
The tape was found next to a piece of tissue paper containing fecal matter – and a fingerprint that forensic analysts said belonged to Fleetwood.
—The Enquirer, 21 Mar. 2024
How to Maintain White Appliances Worried about fingerprints showing on your white fridge or dishwasher?
—Colleen Sullivan, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Mar. 2024
With a glossy exterior, the case is thankfully not a magnet for fingerprints.
—Dua Rashid / Gizmodo, Quartz, 24 Mar. 2024
Both Coleman’s and Anderson’s fingerprints were found on the plastic bags that contained Cairo’s body inside the suitcase, investigators said.
—Summer Lin, Los Angeles Times, 18 Mar. 2024
There’s a fingerprint sensor on top of the device, a USB-C charging port, and an NFC chip to transfer funds between the app and the wallet (or vice versa).
—Emma Roth, The Verge, 13 Mar. 2024
Steven Levy, WIRED, 5 Apr. 2024
These unique digital certificates act as fingerprints, permanently attached to a wide array of digital creations, from captivating artwork and soul-stirring music to intricate virtual lands and exclusive collectibles.
—Kyle Russell, Journal Sentinel, 28 Mar. 2024
Then detectives investigating another murder found Clark, who had left a fingerprint at the site where the five men were murdered.
—Charles Rabin, Miami Herald, 25 Mar. 2024
The tape was found next to a piece of tissue paper containing fecal matter – and a fingerprint that forensic analysts said belonged to Fleetwood.
—The Enquirer, 21 Mar. 2024
How to Maintain White Appliances Worried about fingerprints showing on your white fridge or dishwasher?
—Colleen Sullivan, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Mar. 2024
With a glossy exterior, the case is thankfully not a magnet for fingerprints.
—Dua Rashid / Gizmodo, Quartz, 24 Mar. 2024
Both Coleman’s and Anderson’s fingerprints were found on the plastic bags that contained Cairo’s body inside the suitcase, investigators said.
—Summer Lin, Los Angeles Times, 18 Mar. 2024
There’s a fingerprint sensor on top of the device, a USB-C charging port, and an NFC chip to transfer funds between the app and the wallet (or vice versa).
—Emma Roth, The Verge, 13 Mar. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'fingerprint.' 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
1737, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Dictionary Entries Near fingerprint
Cite this Entry
“Fingerprint.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fingerprint. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.
Copy Citation
Kids Definition
fingerprint
noun
fin·ger·print
ˈfiŋ-gər-ˌprint
: the pattern of marks made by pressing the tip of a finger on a surface
especially
: a pattern of marks in ink of the lines on the tip of a finger taken for the purpose of identification
fingerprint
verb
fingerprinting
noun
-ˌprin-tiŋ
Medical Definition
fingerprint
1 of 2 noun
fin·ger·print
-ˌprint
1
: the impression of a fingertip on any surface
especially
: an ink impression of the lines on the fingertip taken for purpose of identification
2
: analytical evidence (as a spectrogram) that characterizes an object or substance
especially
: the chromatogram or electrophoretogram obtained by cleaving a protein by enzymatic action and subjecting the resulting collection of peptides to two-dimensional chromatography or electrophoresis compare dna fingerprinting
fingerprint
2 of 2 transitive verb
: to analyze (as spectrographically or chromatographically) in order to determine uniquely the identifying characteristics, origin, or constitution of
each protein was fingerprinted
fingerprinting
noun
Legal Definition
fingerprint
noun
fin·ger·print
: the impression of a fingertip on any surface
also
: an ink impression of the lines upon the fingertip taken for the purpose of identification (as during the booking procedure following an arrest) see also dna fingerprinting
fingerprint
transitive verb
fingerprinting
noun
More from Merriam-Webster on fingerprint
Nglish: Translation of fingerprint for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of fingerprint for Arabic Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about fingerprint
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