Skip to main content
Glite Dictionary
👍 A thumb mark 💻 A digital fingerprint
thumbprint

thumbprint

19 3.2
A mark left by the pad of a thumb used to identify a person
  • noun
  • /ˈθʌmprɪnt/
translation icon : huella dactilar
  • You can't get in without a thumbprint ID.

They don't get to get their grubby little thumbprints all over it.

Autoplay Next

Examples

  • The computer matches up his thumbprint with his dossier and photograph.

    Fiction book (1997)

  • Then, the machine scans and verifies the patient's thumbprint to continue with the purchase.

    Blog text (15)

  • The thumbprint of the owner.

    Shoot 'Em Up (2007)

  • -They used her thumbprint to assess her ID.

    Back to the Future Part II (1989)

  • We've already got his thumbprint on file.

    My Mom's New Boyfriend (2008)

  • The sergeant took his thumbprint on the portable reader, then swiped the card.

    Fiction book (2001)

  • To cast a ballot, voters must present the card and be certified by a thumbprint scanner.

    Blog text (18)

  • It can only be unlocked by his thumbprint.

    Skiptrace (2016)

  • The coronet on top of a seahorse's head is nearly as distinctive as a human thumbprint and aids in the identification of individuals.

    Academic text (1990)

  • Police identified the suspect using a thumbprint found at the crime scene.

Synonyms

print
vsthumbprint
419 2.0

A mark left on a surface by a hand, foot, or paw

is a specific human thumb pad impression used for identity purposes
fingerprint
vsthumbprint
328 2.3

A mark left by a finger that can identify a person

is made specifically by the thumb pad rather than any finger
impression
vsthumbprint
  • Specialized
52 4.1

A mark left on a surface when something presses into it

is the same pressed mark but used to identify someone by the thumb
imprint
vsthumbprint
22 4.2

A mark made when something presses into a surface or the tool that makes it

is the personal thumb pad impression used for identifying an individual
marking
vsthumbprint
3 1.9

Making a visible sign on a surface like a wall or paper

is the resulting thumb pad impression used to identify a person
fingermark
vsthumbprint
5.5

A visible mark left by a finger, often when it is dirty

is a clear thumb pad impression used for identity rather than accidental smudge

How Clear

thumbprint
19 3.2
smear
14 4.1

Surface Forms

thumbprint singular
thumbprints plural

Morphology

thumbprint = thumb + print (transparent) = thumb + print

A direct compound of 'thumb' + 'print' meaning the impression made by a thumb; the meaning is literal and readily inferable.

Etymology

Thumbprint is made of thumb and print, so imagine pressing your thumb into ink to leave a small, unique 'mark'. That's why a thumbprint means the special skin pattern from your thumb used to identify a person.