mug shot

noun

: a photograph of usually a person's head and especially face
specifically : a police photograph of a suspect's face or profile

Examples of mug shot in a Sentence

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.
See Duggar's latest mug shot above. — Derek Lawrence, Entertainment Weekly, 31 Mar. 2026 The president actually has his mug shot on display in the White House. — Torrey Snow, Baltimore Sun, 13 May 2026 Detwiler has been selling clothing featuring pictures of his mug shot and his indictment. — Evan Mealins, Nashville Tennessean, 8 Dec. 2025 As Texas governor a decade ago, Rick Perry printed his felony mug shot on a T-shirt for supporters. — Brandon Rottinghaus, Washington Post, 7 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for mug shot

Word History

First Known Use

1950, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of mug shot was in 1950

Rhymes for mug shot

See All Rhymes for mug shot

Browse Nearby Words

mugongo
mug shot
muguet
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Mug shot.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mug%20shot. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

mug shot

noun
: a photograph of a person's face
especially : a police photograph of a suspect's face or profile

Legal Definition

mug shot

noun
: a police photograph of a suspect's face or profile that is taken when the suspect is booked
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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