fingerprint

noun

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

Synonyms of fingerprint

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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.
Pro, that does a decent job at keeping fingerprints and grease at bay. — Kimberly Gedeon, PC Magazine, 7 July 2026 Use the dish soap and water solution to wipe down hardware and cords to remove fingerprints, dust, and grime. — Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 1 July 2026 Border agents digitally scan your fingerprints and take your facial photo. — Kathleen Peddicord, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026 When the fingerprints match across multiple cases in different states, scientists know to look for a common source. — Brenda Goodman, CNN Money, 7 July 2026 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

Rhymes for fingerprint

See All Rhymes for fingerprint

Browse Nearby Words

fingerpost
fingerprint
fingerprinting
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Fingerprint.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fingerprint. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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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

Nglish: Translation of fingerprint for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about fingerprint

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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