noun Uncommon

fingerprint

FIHNGG-prihnt

Fingerprint (noun) means the unique pattern of ridges on a fingertip, or the mark it leaves on a surface. Example: “Police lifted a fingerprint from the doorknob.”

noun

The unique pattern of ridges on a fingertip, or the mark it leaves on a surface.

"Police lifted a fingerprint from the doorknob."

"No two people share the same fingerprint."

A distinctive combination of features that identifies something, used more broadly than just for fingers.

"The malware left a digital fingerprint that investigators traced."

verb

To record someone's fingerprints, or to uniquely identify something by its distinctive traits.

"Visitors to the facility are fingerprinted at the entrance."

How to Use Fingerprint

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe unique pattern on a fingertip, or by extension any unique identifying trace.

Common pairings

digital fingerprint take fingerprints fingerprint scanner

Word Forms

fingerprinted past tense, fingerprints plural, fingerprints singular

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Police lifted a _____ from the doorknob.

Etymology

A compound of finger and print, referring literally to the mark, or "print," a finger leaves behind.

Synonyms

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fingermark

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “fingerprint” mean?

The word “fingerprint” means the unique pattern of ridges on a fingertip, or the mark it leaves on a surface. In plain terms, the unique pattern on a fingertip, or by extension any unique identifying trace.

How do you pronounce “fingerprint”?

“Fingerprint” is pronounced FIHNGG-prihnt (/ˈfɪŋɡɚˌpɹɪnt/ in IPA).

How do you use “fingerprint” in a sentence?

Here is “fingerprint” used in a sentence: “Police lifted a fingerprint from the doorknob.”

What part of speech is “fingerprint”?

Depending on how it is used, “fingerprint” can be a noun and a verb.

Is “fingerprint” a common word?

“Fingerprint” is an uncommon word in modern English.

How many meanings does “fingerprint” have?

“Fingerprint” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the unique pattern of ridges on a fingertip, or the mark it leaves on a surface.