mug shot

noun

: a photograph of usually a person's head and especially face
specifically : a police photograph of a suspect's face or profile

Examples of mug shot in a Sentence

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.
The mug shot itself in fact, hangs outside of the Oval Office. Raja Krishnamoorthi, Newsweek, 13 Mar. 2025 The president and his supporters have leaned into the mug shot, viewing it as a symbol of his outsider status and as emblematic of his claims that he was politically targeted. Brett Samuels, The Hill, 14 Feb. 2025 Then, in April 1995, Melissa’s sister saw their dad’s mug shot on TV. Sharon Cotliar, People.com, 10 Mar. 2025 Trump mugshot now hangs outside Oval Office Robby Soave and Niall Stanage discuss President Trump’s popular mug shot that now hangs outside the Oval office. The Hill, 17 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for mug shot

Word History

First Known Use

1950, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of mug shot was in 1950

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Mug shot.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mug%20shot. Accessed 25 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

mug shot

noun
: a photograph of a person's face
especially : a police photograph of a suspect's face or profile

Legal Definition

mug shot

noun
: a police photograph of a suspect's face or profile that is taken when the suspect is booked
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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