thumbprint

noun

thumb·​print ˈthəm-ˌprint How to pronounce thumbprint (audio)
1
: an impression made by the thumb
especially : a print made by the inside of the first joint
2
: something that identifies
especially : fingerprint sense 2a

Examples of thumbprint in a Sentence

He left a dirty thumbprint on the page.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Nothing changes in Kelly’s office, after a short ride on a private elevator accessed by his thumbprint. — Brian Hamilton, New York Times, 27 Aug. 2025 Plastic faded the blonde color of butter with age and the lettering smeared away, big thumbprint smearing a lilac hollow through the violet plastic of the power button. — Literary Hub, 13 Aug. 2025 Later in the preview, the camera zoomed in on the thumbprint cookies, which were seemingly inspired by the same recipe Meghan has shown before on Instagram. — Janine Henni, People.com, 12 Aug. 2025 The other documents appear to bear thumbprints. — Cameron Knight, The Enquirer, 8 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for thumbprint

Word History

First Known Use

1900, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of thumbprint was in 1900

Rhymes for thumbprint

See All Rhymes for thumbprint

Browse Nearby Words

thumb pot
thumbprint
thumb ring
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Thumbprint.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/thumbprint. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

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Kids Definition

thumbprint

noun
thumb·​print ˈthəm-ˌprint How to pronounce thumbprint (audio)
: an impression made by the thumb
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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