English Reference
noun · verb

imprint

n. · v.
US /ˈɪmpɹɪnt/ im·print UK spelling imprinted, imprints

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate

    n.a mark or shape made by pressing something onto a surface.

    n.a physical mark or indentation produced by pressure or printing.

    Simple

    We found the sharp imprint of a boot in the soft mud near the gate.

    In context

    The fossil preserved the delicate imprint of a fern leaf, showing every vein in remarkable detail despite the passage of millions of years.

  2. 02 C1 Advanced Technical

    n.a name used by a publisher for a specific group of books.

    n.a trade name under which a specific category of books is published, often within a larger publishing house.

    Simple

    The company launched a new imprint dedicated to science fiction novels.

    In context

    Although the parent corporation is massive, this small imprint maintains a reputation for high-quality experimental poetry.

  3. 03 C2 Proficiency Technical Science

    v.when a young animal learns to recognize and follow a parent or leader.

    v.to undergo a rapid learning process during a critical period, whereby a young animal establishes a social attachment to an object or organism.

    Simple

    The ducklings began to imprint on the scientist who raised them from eggs.

    In context

    Ethologists observed that the hatchlings would imprint on the first moving object they encountered, regardless of whether it was their biological mother.

It was to be published by John Blake, by then an imprint of the larger Bonnier Books.

The Guardian· 15 Aug 2026

This year, judges considered a record 132 books submitted by 52 UK publishing imprints and independent authors.

The Guardian· 12 Aug 2026

Etymology 1

From Old French empreinte, from the past participle of empreindre, from Latin imprimere.

Etymology 2

From Middle English emprinten, enprinten, from Old French empreinter, from the past participle of empreindre, from Latin imprimere.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin Latin imprimere
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Frequent
Updated