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

From iced cutouts and spritz to thumbprints and gingerbread, there’s just something about all the different flavors and shapes coming together and complementing one another on one tray. —Melinda Salchert, Southern Living, 9 Dec. 2025

Police also said Hunsaker’s thumbprint was found in a car that Menzies was driving, and her purse was discovered in his apartment. —Landon Mion, FOXNews.com, 29 Nov. 2025

In the center of each thumbprint, a dollop of silky, tart lime filling sets during the cookies’ brief stint in the oven, just like their full-size namesake. —Editors Of Bon Appétit, Bon Appetit Magazine, 28 Nov. 2025

The inclusion of her signature thumbprint cookies proves simple homemade treats also make heartfelt gifts. —Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1900, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for thumbprint

• blueprint
• footprint
• imprint
• misprint
• newsprint
• nonprint
• preprint
• reprint
• clint
• dint
• glint
• hint

Kids Definition

thumbprint

noun

thumb·​print ˈthəm-ˌprint 

: an impression made by the thumb