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
1
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."
2
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
1
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 notesIn plain EnglishThe unique pattern on a fingertip, or by extension any unique identifying trace.
Common pairings
digital fingerprint
take fingerprints
fingerprint scanner
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like fingerprint.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- fingerprints
- Third person singular
- fingerprints
- Past tense
- fingerprinted
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
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
View more →Related words
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.
