fingerprinting
noun
fin·ger·print·ing
ˈfiŋ-gər-ˌprin-tiŋ 
1
: the act or an instance of taking an ink impression of someone's fingerprints for the purpose of identification
sent him in for fingerprinting
also
: identification using this process
But he was also concerned that fingerprinting was slipping out of the hands of men like himself whom he considered "scientists" and into the hands of men like Collins whom he regarded as poorly educated clerks. —
Simon Cole
Simon Cole 2
: identification by analyzing characteristics unique to individuals
genetic fingerprinting
protein fingerprinting
Examples of fingerprinting in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
For misdemeanor detention, identification can allow you to be released after fingerprinting and a mugshot photograph.
—Bay Area News Group, Mercury News, 9 June 2025
Since then, she’s been involved in the Criminal Justice Club all four years and the CSI unit — where students practice fingerprinting, analyze crime scenes and conduct investigations — at her school.
—Katie Nixon, Nashville Tennessean, 21 Feb. 2025
For instance, it could be repurposed for fingerprinting or as counterfeit-proof ink.
—Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 12 June 2025
Hardin’s identity was confirmed through fingerprinting, per police.
—Charna Flam, People.com, 7 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for fingerprinting
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Bay Area News Group, Mercury News, 9 June 2025
Since then, she’s been involved in the Criminal Justice Club all four years and the CSI unit — where students practice fingerprinting, analyze crime scenes and conduct investigations — at her school.
—Katie Nixon, Nashville Tennessean, 21 Feb. 2025
For instance, it could be repurposed for fingerprinting or as counterfeit-proof ink.
—Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 12 June 2025
Hardin’s identity was confirmed through fingerprinting, per police.
—Charna Flam, People.com, 7 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for fingerprinting
Cite this Entry
“Fingerprinting.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fingerprinting. Accessed 17 Jul. 2025.
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