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

Most of us scroll past the fine print when signing up for apps, starting free trials or buying concert tickets, but those tiny terms can limit your rights if something goes wrong. —Joshua Sidorowicz, CBS News, 4 Mar. 2026

Less than $224 million This is where the fine print and the individual separation agreements begin to change things. —Chris Vannini, New York Times, 3 Mar. 2026

However, much depends on the specific insurer and the fine print of the insurance policy, experts said. —Greg Iacurci, CNBC, 2 Mar. 2026

Spacey taking the stand will grab the headlines, but a win for MRC on this point could have insurers scrambling to rework the fine print. —Winston Cho, HollywoodReporter, 28 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1891, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for fine print

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

Legal Definition

fine print

noun

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