fingerprint

noun

fin·​ger·​print ˈfiŋ-gər-ˌprint How to pronounce fingerprint (audio)
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

Illustration of fingerprint

Illustration of fingerprint
  • 1 arch
  • 2 loop
  • 3 whorl
  • 4 composite

Examples of fingerprint in a Sentence

Detectives found his fingerprints all over the gun. Everyone has a unique fingerprint.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Officially, it’s based on the books only, but everything from the aesthetic to the orchestral score bears the fingerprints of CD Projekt RED’s far superior games. Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2025 The fact that the FBI recovered the firearm will accelerate the investigation, Chittum said, since it can be traced and tested for fingerprints and DNA evidence. Will Carless, USA Today, 12 Sep. 2025 While his fingerprints are all over the new magazine, Enninful has not appointed himself its editor-in-chief, instead asking his former Vogue deputy Sarah Harris to lead as editorial director. Fiona Sinclair Scott, CNN Money, 12 Sep. 2025 Special Agent Tristan Bailey also testified about the process of collecting DNA and fingerprint samples from Routh. Peter Charalambous, ABC News, 12 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for fingerprint

Word History

First Known Use

1737, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of fingerprint was in 1737

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Fingerprint.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fingerprint. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

fingerprint

noun
fin·​ger·​print ˈfiŋ-gər-ˌprint How to pronounce fingerprint (audio)
: 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
-ˌprin-tiŋ
noun

Medical Definition

fingerprint

1 of 2 noun
fin·​ger·​print -ˌprint How to pronounce fingerprint (audio)
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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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