# fingerprint

/ˈfɪŋɡɝˌpɹɪnt/ (US) · /fˈɪŋɡəpɹˌɪnt/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/fingerprint
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. mark on a surface

noun · CEFR B1

the mark left on a surface by the lines on the end of your finger, often used by police to find out who was there.

For teachers: an impression of the curved ridges of the skin of a finger, typically used as a method of identifying individuals in forensic investigations.

- The police found a clear fingerprint on the glass that helped them identify the thief.
- Forensic experts carefully dusted the safe for fingerprints, hoping to find a match in the national criminal database.

### 2. unique characteristic

noun · CEFR B2

a unique set of features that identifies something or someone.

For teachers: a unique combination of characteristics or data points that serves to identify a specific person, object, or digital entity.

- Every person has a unique chemical fingerprint that can be detected by special sensors.
- The software creates a digital fingerprint of the file to ensure that the content has not been altered during transmission.

### 3. to take prints

verb · CEFR B2

to take a copy of the patterns on someone's fingers, usually using ink or a scanner.

For teachers: to record the patterns of the ridges on a person's fingertips, typically as part of a criminal booking or security clearance process.

- The officer had to fingerprint the suspect before putting him in a cell.
- As part of the visa application process, the embassy required all applicants to be fingerprinted and photographed at the consulate.

## Examples

- The police found a fingerprint on the glass.
- To improve security, the app now requires a fingerprint scan to access your account information.
- While identical twins share the same DNA, developmental variations in the womb ensure that each individual possesses a completely unique fingerprint.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.