fingerprint

noun

fin·​ger·​print ˈfiŋ-gər-ˌprint 

1

: the impression of a fingertip on any surface

also : an ink impression of the lines upon the fingertip taken for the purpose of identification

2

: something that identifies: such as

a

: a trait, trace, or characteristic revealing origin or responsibility

b

: analytical evidence (such as a spectrogram) that characterizes an object or substance

especially : the chromatogram or electrophoretogram obtained by cleaving a protein by enzymatic action and subjecting the resulting collection of peptides to two-dimensional chromatography or electrophoresis

c

: the base-pair pattern in an individual's DNA obtained by DNA fingerprinting

fingerprint transitive verb

Illustration of fingerprint

• 1 arch
• 2 loop
• 3 whorl
• 4 composite

Synonyms

• affection
• attribute
• attribution
• character
• characteristic
• criterion
• diagnostic
• differentia
• feature
• hallmark
• mark
• marker
• note
• particularity
• peculiarity
• point
• property
• quality
• specific
• stamp
• touch
• trait

Examples of fingerprint in a Sentence

Detectives found his fingerprints all over the gun.

Everyone has a unique fingerprint.

Recent Examples on the Web

What happens in Adolescence A large chunk of the first episode goes through the tedious procedures of entering the criminal justice system—the questioning, the fingerprints, walking up and down stairs to various rooms. —Olivia B. Waxman, TIME, 13 Mar. 2025

This was a plot point likely decided on in the season three writer’s room after the show’s long hiatus — and one that has AO3’s fingerprints all over it. —Abby Monteil, Them, 13 Mar. 2025

Deputies caught Milla-Valdes by analyzing his fingerprints, the sheriff's office said Friday in a social media post. —Emily Mae Czachor, CBS News, 10 Mar. 2025

His fingerprints were all over the final quarter — assisting three baskets in the final 3 minutes, 11 seconds, blocking a go-ahead 3-point attempt by Tyler Herro, then sinking a dagger 3 with 16 seconds remaining. —Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 9 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1737, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for fingerprint

• overprint
• peppermint
• blueprint
• footprint
• imprint
• misprint
• newsprint
• nonprint
• preprint
• reprint
• clint
• dint

Kids Definition

fingerprint

noun

fin·​ger·​print ˈfiŋ-gər-ˌprint 

: the pattern of marks made by pressing the tip of a finger on a surface

especially : a pattern of marks in ink of the lines on the tip of a finger taken for the purpose of identification

fingerprint verb

fingerprinting

-ˌprin-tiŋ

noun

Medical Definition

fingerprint

1 of 2 noun

fin·​ger·​print -ˌprint 

1

: the impression of a fingertip on any surface

especially : an ink impression of the lines on the fingertip taken for purpose of identification

2

: analytical evidence (as a spectrogram) that characterizes an object or substance

especially : the chromatogram or electrophoretogram obtained by cleaving a protein by enzymatic action and subjecting the resulting collection of peptides to two-dimensional chromatography or electrophoresis compare dna fingerprinting

fingerprint

2 of 2 transitive verb

: to analyze (as spectrographically or chromatographically) in order to determine uniquely the identifying characteristics, origin, or constitution of

each protein was fingerprinted

fingerprinting noun

Legal Definition

fingerprint

noun

fin·​ger·​print

: the impression of a fingertip on any surface

also : an ink impression of the lines upon the fingertip taken for the purpose of identification (as during the booking procedure following an arrest) see also dna fingerprinting

fingerprint transitive verb

fingerprinting noun