thumbprint
noun
thumb·print
ˈthəm-ˌprint 
1
: an impression made by the thumb
especially
: a print made by the inside of the first joint
2
: something that identifies
especially
: fingerprint sense 2a
Examples of thumbprint in a Sentence
He left a dirty thumbprint on the page.
Recent Examples on the Web
Think of it like a cross between selfies and thumbprint scans but for your face.
—
Joe Hindy, PCMAG, 18 Sep. 2023
Compared to other forms of data collection, biometrics such as facial, iris or thumbprint scans have greater potential for invasive surveillance or discrimination, privacy advocates say.
—Tatum Hunter, Washington Post, 20 July 2023
Texas enacted a law requiring catalytic converter sellers provide a thumbprint and proof of purchase of the part.
—Jasmine Cui, NBC News, 5 Nov. 2023
Her work on glass reproduces a giant image of her thumbprint, referencing one of the ways in which Native Americans signed treaties and land concessions to the U.S. government.
—Philip Kennicott, Washington Post, 19 Aug. 2023
Directed this time by Sam Fell (ParaNorman, Flushed Away) instead of Chicken Run’s OG Aardman hands Peter Lord and Nick Park (who serve as executive producers here), this reboot stays true to the original’s retro, handmade spirit, literally palpable in the odd visible thumbprint.
—Leslie Felperin, The Hollywood Reporter, 16 Oct. 2023
The piece is a seven-foot-high glass thumbprint that represents the many Crow chiefs who signed such treaties with a thumbprint.
—Mark Jenkins, Washington Post, 12 Aug. 2023
For lemon bars, thumbprint cookies, and beyond, consider stirring up a sweet-tart egg yolk sauce with lemons or limes.
—Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Oct. 2022
Red, white, and blue recipes for your July 4th table Lemon-curd thumbprint cookies From Karoline Boehm Goodnick: The smallest children, with just a little help, can make these thumbprint cookies. . . .
—Chris Morris, BostonGlobe.com, 30 June 2023
See More
Joe Hindy, PCMAG, 18 Sep. 2023
Compared to other forms of data collection, biometrics such as facial, iris or thumbprint scans have greater potential for invasive surveillance or discrimination, privacy advocates say.
—Tatum Hunter, Washington Post, 20 July 2023
Texas enacted a law requiring catalytic converter sellers provide a thumbprint and proof of purchase of the part.
—Jasmine Cui, NBC News, 5 Nov. 2023
Her work on glass reproduces a giant image of her thumbprint, referencing one of the ways in which Native Americans signed treaties and land concessions to the U.S. government.
—Philip Kennicott, Washington Post, 19 Aug. 2023
Directed this time by Sam Fell (ParaNorman, Flushed Away) instead of Chicken Run’s OG Aardman hands Peter Lord and Nick Park (who serve as executive producers here), this reboot stays true to the original’s retro, handmade spirit, literally palpable in the odd visible thumbprint.
—Leslie Felperin, The Hollywood Reporter, 16 Oct. 2023
The piece is a seven-foot-high glass thumbprint that represents the many Crow chiefs who signed such treaties with a thumbprint.
—Mark Jenkins, Washington Post, 12 Aug. 2023
For lemon bars, thumbprint cookies, and beyond, consider stirring up a sweet-tart egg yolk sauce with lemons or limes.
—Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Oct. 2022
Red, white, and blue recipes for your July 4th table Lemon-curd thumbprint cookies From Karoline Boehm Goodnick: The smallest children, with just a little help, can make these thumbprint cookies. . . .
—Chris Morris, BostonGlobe.com, 30 June 2023
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'thumbprint.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1900, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Dictionary Entries Near thumbprint
Cite this Entry
“Thumbprint.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/thumbprint. Accessed 29 Nov. 2023.
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Kids Definition
thumbprint
noun
thumb·print
ˈthəm-ˌprint
: an impression made by the thumb
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