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
Raising the level to Balanced Blocking adds social media ad blocking, and stepping up to Strict Blocking cuts off browser notifications and browser fingerprinting (more about fingerprinting shortly).
—PC Magazine, 11 Apr. 2025
Epic Universe will use a facial recognition system at its entrance plaza: No more fumbling with tickets or digital fingerprinting.
—Todd Anderson, New York Times, 5 Apr. 2025
In climate studies, fingerprinting separates the influence of specific climate factors from natural, meteorological conditions.
—Jack Knudson, Discover Magazine, 6 Mar. 2025
Those who are over the age of 14 will also need to apply for fingerprinting with authorities, according to the mandate uploaded Wednesday to the Federal Register.
—Ashleigh Fields, The Hill, 12 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for fingerprinting
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PC Magazine, 11 Apr. 2025
Epic Universe will use a facial recognition system at its entrance plaza: No more fumbling with tickets or digital fingerprinting.
—Todd Anderson, New York Times, 5 Apr. 2025
In climate studies, fingerprinting separates the influence of specific climate factors from natural, meteorological conditions.
—Jack Knudson, Discover Magazine, 6 Mar. 2025
Those who are over the age of 14 will also need to apply for fingerprinting with authorities, according to the mandate uploaded Wednesday to the Federal Register.
—Ashleigh Fields, The Hill, 12 Mar. 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 23 Apr. 2025.
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