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.
This is apparently new ground for the hiring department at City Hall, the lapses showing up with each new mug shot. Boston Herald Editorial Staff, Boston Herald, 28 Aug. 2025 The early days of the case produced the president’s now-iconic mug shot on Aug. 24, 2023 and touched off the lawfare campaign against the eventual winner of the 2024 election. Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 26 Aug. 2025 The singer addressed his arrest for the first time days later by sharing a photo of his mug shot to Instagram. Rachel Desantis, People.com, 20 Aug. 2025 The report reveals charges for possession of cocaine and marijuana under Cortés’ name, alongside a photo of his mug shot. Thania Garcia, Variety, 12 Aug. 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 7 Oct. 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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