fingerprint

noun

fin·​ger·​print ˈfiŋ-gər-ˌprint How to pronounce fingerprint (audio)
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

Illustration of fingerprint
  • 1 arch
  • 2 loop
  • 3 whorl
  • 4 composite

Examples of fingerprint in a Sentence

Detectives found his fingerprints all over the gun. Everyone has a unique fingerprint.
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 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 The sheriff's office said officers obtained Milla-Valdes' original 1986 fingerprints from Puerto Rico and a set from his criminal history in Monroe County which matched the prints and confirmed Aguirre and Milla-Valdes was the same person. Tomas Rodriguez, USA TODAY, 13 Mar. 2025 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 Following the incident, Tate was additionally charged with first-degree escape, interfering with an officer and two counts of failure to comply with fingerprint requirements, according to state police. Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 13 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for fingerprint

Word History

First Known Use

1737, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of fingerprint was in 1737

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Fingerprint.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fingerprint. Accessed 21 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

fingerprint

noun
fin·​ger·​print ˈfiŋ-gər-ˌprint How to pronounce fingerprint (audio)
: 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 How to pronounce fingerprint (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on fingerprint

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