noun

mugshot

MUG-shot

Mugshot (noun) means a photograph of a person's face taken by the police after an arrest, usually from the front and the side, and kept on record. Example: “His mugshot was released to the press the next morning.”

noun

A photograph of a person's face taken by the police after an arrest, usually from the front and the side, and kept on record.

"His mugshot was released to the press the next morning."

"The database holds thousands of mugshots going back decades."

informal Any unflattering or starkly lit photograph of someone's face.

"My passport picture looks like a mugshot."

How to use mugshot

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe photo the police take of you when you are arrested.

When to use it

Informal but universally understood, and used in news reporting. Also written mug shot as two words.

Memory tip

A headshot is a professional portrait for work; a mugshot is the police version. Do not confuse the two when writing about actors.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

mug shot booking photo headshot →

Common pairings

release a mugshot mugshot photo booking photo take his mugshot

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

His _____ was released to the press the next morning.

Etymology

A compound of mug, slang for the face since the early eighteenth century — generally traced to drinking mugs moulded into grotesque faces — and shot in the sense of a photograph.

Origin: English

Synonyms

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police photograph booking photo

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a mugshot and a headshot?

A mugshot is taken by police during booking after an arrest and forms part of a criminal record. A headshot is a deliberately flattering professional portrait used for acting, modelling or business profiles.

Does having a mugshot mean someone was convicted?

No. Mugshots are taken at the point of arrest and booking, long before any trial, so a person photographed may later be released without charge or found not guilty. This is why publishing them is legally and ethically contested in many places.

What is the meaning of mugshot?

"mugshot" (noun) means a photograph of a person's face taken by the police after an arrest, usually from the front and the side, and kept on record.

What is another word for mugshot?

Other words for "mugshot" include police photograph, booking photo.