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

2

: identification by analyzing characteristics unique to individuals

genetic fingerprinting

protein fingerprinting

Examples of fingerprinting in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Meanwhile, Chrome users are left with the irony of a simultaneous good move on tracking cookies and bad move on fingerprinting. —Zak Doffman, Forbes, 20 Feb. 2025

Both rely on blockchain certificates to ensure authenticity, rather than AI analysis or digital fingerprinting. —George Nelson, ARTnews.com, 19 Feb. 2025

To receive a permit, applicants must undergo fingerprinting and a background check. —Tess Kenny, Chicago Tribune, 25 Jan. 2025

Digital fingerprinting is back on the table and is going beyond traditional browsers, just as the tracking and search ecosystems are being shaken up. —Zak Doffman, Forbes, 21 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1891, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing fingerprinting

• DNA fingerprinting
• genetic fingerprinting

Rhymes for fingerprinting

• glinting
• hinting
• minting
• printing
• splinting
• sprinting
• squinting
• tinting
• imprinting
• reprinting
• unstinting