fingerprint: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Formal, Technical, Everyday
Quick answer
What does “fingerprint” mean?
The unique pattern of lines on the tip of a human finger, used for identification.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The unique pattern of lines on the tip of a human finger, used for identification.
Any unique, identifying mark or characteristic pattern; also, the process of identifying someone or something by such a characteristic.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant spelling or meaning differences. Minor differences in legal/forensic phrasing (e.g., 'take fingerprints' vs. 'get fingerprinted').
Connotations
Strongly associated with crime, security, and identification in both varieties. The metaphorical use ('digital fingerprint') is equally common.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in American English due to prevalent crime procedural media and legal discourse.
Grammar
How to Use “fingerprint” in a Sentence
N of N (fingerprint of the suspect)N on N (fingerprint on the glass)V N (to fingerprint the applicant)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “fingerprint” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- All arrestees will be fingerprinted at the station.
- The new system fingerprints each data packet for tracking.
American English
- Everyone getting a security clearance has to get fingerprinted.
- The software automatically fingerprints the files to detect duplicates.
adjective
British English
- The fingerprint evidence was crucial to the case.
- They used fingerprint analysis to identify the remains.
American English
- The FBI maintains a fingerprint database.
- Fingerprint identification is a standard procedure.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in cybersecurity for 'digital fingerprint' (unique data identifier).
Academic
Common in forensic science, criminology, and computer science literature.
Everyday
Associated with crime scenes, police work, and phone security (Touch ID).
Technical
Precise term in forensic analysis and data encryption/hashing algorithms.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “fingerprint”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “fingerprint”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “fingerprint”
- Using 'fingerprint' for 'footprint'.
- Incorrect verb form: 'They fingerprint him' (correct: 'They fingerprinted him' or 'He was fingerprinted').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
While the probability is infinitesimally small, forensic science operates on the assumption that no two people (including identical twins) have identical fingerprints.
A fingerprint is a physical pattern on the skin, while a DNA sample is biological material containing genetic code. Both are used for identification, but DNA is more conclusive for biological relationships.
Yes, 'to fingerprint' means to record someone's fingerprints, often for official records. It is also used in IT (e.g., 'fingerprinting a browser').
A latent fingerprint is an invisible print left by the natural oils and sweat on the skin, which must be developed using powders, chemicals, or light to become visible.
The unique pattern of lines on the tip of a human finger, used for identification.
Fingerprint is usually formal, technical, everyday in register.
Fingerprint: in British English it is pronounced /ˈfɪŋɡəprɪnt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈfɪŋɡərprɪnt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Leave one's fingerprint on something (to have a lasting influence).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
FINGER + PRINT: Imagine your finger leaving an ink PRINT on paper.
Conceptual Metaphor
UNIQUENESS IS A FINGERPRINT / IDENTIFICATION IS MATCHING FINGERPRINTS.
Practice
Quiz
In a computing context, a 'digital fingerprint' most closely refers to: