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
Look for the following physical cues to help tell twins apart:
Hairstyle
Moles
Freckles
Unique expressions or gestures
Many people wonder whether twins have the same fingerprint and if fingerprinting can be used to distinguish between two twins who look remarkably alike.
—Pamela Prindle Fierro, Parents, 1 July 2024
But Rao pointed out that Content Credentials combines secure metadata, watermarking and digital fingerprinting.
—Sharon Goldman, Fortune, 9 May 2024
Michigan voting machine case:Michigan attorney arrested in Washington, D.C. plans to return home
After returning to Michigan and showing up at Oakland County Circuit Court, Lambert − an ally of former President Donald Trump − underwent fingerprinting and DNA collection.
—Detroit Free Press, 21 Mar. 2024
Clearance requires fingerprinting and a criminal history check, according to prosecutors, and those convicted of any crime are prohibited from serving as aides.
—Jason Green, The Mercury News, 21 Mar. 2024
See all Example Sentences for fingerprinting 
Pamela Prindle Fierro, Parents, 1 July 2024
But Rao pointed out that Content Credentials combines secure metadata, watermarking and digital fingerprinting.
—Sharon Goldman, Fortune, 9 May 2024
Michigan voting machine case:Michigan attorney arrested in Washington, D.C. plans to return home
After returning to Michigan and showing up at Oakland County Circuit Court, Lambert − an ally of former President Donald Trump − underwent fingerprinting and DNA collection.
—Detroit Free Press, 21 Mar. 2024
Clearance requires fingerprinting and a criminal history check, according to prosecutors, and those convicted of any crime are prohibited from serving as aides.
—Jason Green, The Mercury News, 21 Mar. 2024
See all Example Sentences for fingerprinting
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'fingerprinting.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near fingerprinting
Cite this Entry
“Fingerprinting.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fingerprinting. Accessed 7 Jul. 2024.
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