Word
imprint
Phoneticsim·print, stress on the first syllable
/ˈɪmpɹɪnt/
Definitions
01a physical mark
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun
n. a mark or shape made by pressing something onto a surface.
n. a physical mark or indentation produced by pressure or printing.
“We found the sharp imprint of a boot in the soft mud near the gate.”
“The fossil preserved the delicate imprint of a fern leaf, showing every vein in remarkable detail despite the passage of millions of years.”
Synonyms
02publishing brand
C1 · Advanced Countable noun 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.
“The company launched a new imprint dedicated to science fiction novels.”
“Although the parent corporation is massive, this small imprint maintains a reputation for high-quality experimental poetry.”
03animal behavior
C2 · Proficiency Science Technical
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.
“The ducklings began to imprint on the scientist who raised them from eggs.”
“Ethologists observed that the hatchlings would imprint on the first moving object they encountered, regardless of whether it was their biological mother.”
Usage
Often takes the preposition 'of' (the imprint of a foot) or 'on' (an imprint on the mind).
Real-World Examples
“It was to be published by John Blake, by then an imprint of the larger Bonnier Books.” “This year, judges considered a record 132 books submitted by 52 UK publishing imprints and independent authors.” Etymology
From Old French empreinte, from the past participle of empreindre, from Latin imprimere.
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.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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