fingerprinting

noun

fin·​ger·​print·​ing ˈfiŋ-gər-ˌprin-tiŋ 

1

: the act or an instance of taking an ink impression of someone's fingerprints for the purpose of identification

sent him in for fingerprinting

also : identification using this process

But he was also concerned that fingerprinting was slipping out of the hands of men like himself whom he considered "scientists" and into the hands of men like Collins whom he regarded as poorly educated clerks.

—Simon Cole

2

: identification by analyzing characteristics unique to individuals

genetic fingerprinting

protein fingerprinting

Examples of fingerprinting in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Digital fingerprinting is back on the table and is going beyond traditional browsers, just as the tracking and search ecosystems are being shaken up. —Zak Doffman, Forbes, 21 Dec. 2024

This week, Google announced that, starting in February 2025, advertisers would be allowed to use fingerprinting. —Matt Burgess, WIRED, 21 Dec. 2024

Browser Fingerprinting Also known as device fingerprinting, browser fingerprinting allows websites and apps to collect information about users’ devices, which helps identify user's behavior. —Nitin Gupta, Forbes, 25 Nov. 2024

Similar to cookie consent banners, make sure to provide opt-out options wherever possible and clearly communicate with users about the use of fingerprinting to ensure compliance. —Nitin Gupta, Forbes, 25 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1891, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing fingerprinting

• DNA fingerprinting
• genetic fingerprinting