# stamp

/ˈstæmp/ (US) · /stˈæmp/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/stamp
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. postage

noun · CEFR A2

a small piece of paper you stick on an envelope to show you paid for delivery.

For teachers: a small adhesive piece of paper issued by a postal authority to indicate prepayment of postage.

- Don't forget to put a stamp on the envelope before you drop it in the mailbox.
- The collector spent years searching for a rare Victorian stamp that featured a unique printing error on the queen's profile.

### 2. imprinting tool

noun · CEFR B1

a tool used to press a design or words onto a surface, often using ink.

For teachers: an instrument or die used for imprinting a design, mark, or lettering onto a surface.

- The office worker used a rubber stamp to mark the documents as 'received'.
- The notary applied his official stamp to the contract, verifying that the signatures were authentic and legally binding.

### 3. foot movement

noun · CEFR B2

the act of bringing your foot down hard and noisily on the ground.

For teachers: a forceful downward thrust of the foot against the ground or another surface.

- With a loud stamp of his foot, the child showed how angry he was.
- The dancer finished the routine with a rhythmic stamp that echoed through the silent theatre.

### 4. to step heavily

verb · CEFR B1

to bring your foot down hard on the ground, often because you are angry or cold.

For teachers: to strike or beat the ground with the bottom of the foot, often repeatedly or with great force.

- The hikers had to stamp their feet to get the snow off their boots.
- Protesters began to stamp their feet in unison, creating a thunderous noise that could be heard blocks away from the square.

### 5. to mark or print

verb · CEFR B2

to press a mark or pattern onto something using a tool.

For teachers: to impress or imprint a mark, design, or lettering onto a surface using a specialized tool.

- The passport officer will stamp your book when you enter the country.
- The factory machine can stamp the company logo onto thousands of metal parts every hour.

### 6. tattoo

noun · CEFR C1 · Slang · Informal

a slang word for a tattoo on someone's skin.

For teachers: a slang term for a permanent mark or design made on the skin with ink.

- He got a new stamp on his arm to celebrate his graduation.
- She decided to get a small floral stamp on her ankle while she was travelling through Europe.

## Examples

- I need to buy a stamp for this letter.
- The clerk pressed a red rubber stamp onto the document to show that the fee was paid.
- Collectors often seek out rare stamps with printing errors, as these historical anomalies can command significant prices at international auctions.

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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.