fine print

noun

: something thoroughly and often deliberately obscure

especially : a part of an agreement or document spelling out restrictions and limitations often in small type or obscure language

Examples of fine print in a Sentence

Read the fine print before you sign the contract.

Recent Examples on the Web

The fine print Whisky and liqueurs, two of Canada’s top alcoholic beverage exports to the US, are exempt from the ban when sold in containers larger than four liters. — Elisabeth Buchwald, CNN Money, 29 Sep. 2026

Read the fine print on discounts A lower price may require a loyalty membership, subscription, automatic renewal or another commitment. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 29 Sep. 2026

The company's own fine print says actual range varies with speed, terrain, rider weight, weather, and riding style. — New Atlas, 28 Sep. 2026

Adobe, for example, buried a steep early-termination fee in the fine print of its subscriptions. — Lindsay Owens, New York Daily News, 28 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1891, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for fine print

• fingerprint
• mezzotint
• overprint
• peppermint
• blueprint
• footprint
• imprint
• misprint
• newsprint
• nonprint
• preprint
• reprint

Legal Definition

fine print

noun

: a part of an agreement or document spelling out restrictions or limitations often in small type or obscure language