Illustration of fingerprint
- 1 arch
- 2 loop
- 3 whorl
- 4 composite
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
Examples of fingerprint in a Sentence
Detectives found his fingerprints all over the gun.
Everyone has a unique fingerprint.
Recent Examples on the Web
Both work well, but the fingerprint sensor is a more secure method of unlocking your phone.
—
PC Magazine, 21 July 2025
Our tester also noted that the black version showed fingerprints easily.
—Cheryl Fenton, Parents, 19 July 2025
Police later found Jones' fingerprints on the weapon.
—Chris Ramirez, jsonline.com, 18 July 2025
The facility is staffed by private correctional officers who have not had to provide fingerprints, pass a physical exam or background checks.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 18 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for fingerprint
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PC Magazine, 21 July 2025
Our tester also noted that the black version showed fingerprints easily.
—Cheryl Fenton, Parents, 19 July 2025
Police later found Jones' fingerprints on the weapon.
—Chris Ramirez, jsonline.com, 18 July 2025
The facility is staffed by private correctional officers who have not had to provide fingerprints, pass a physical exam or background checks.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 18 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for fingerprint
Cite this Entry
“Fingerprint.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fingerprint. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
noun
-ˌprin-tiŋ
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
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