First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1imprint
verb im·print \im-ˈprint, ˈim-ˌ\
: to create a mark by pressing against a surface
: to cause (something) to stay in your mind or memory
Full Definition of IMPRINT
transitive verb
1
: to mark by or as if by pressure : impress
2
a : to fix indelibly or permanently (as on the memory) b : to subject to or induce by imprinting <an imprinted preference>
intransitive verb
: to undergo imprinting
— im·print·er \-ˈprin-tər, -ˌprin-\ noun
See imprint defined for English-language learners
See imprint defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of IMPRINT
Middle English emprenten, from Anglo-French emprient, 3d singular of enpreindre to impress (from Latin imprimere) & empreinter, from emprent, past participle of enpreindre
Rhymes with IMPRINT
2imprint
noun im·print \ˈim-ˌprint\
: a mark created by pressing against a surface : something imprinted or printed
: a strong effect or influence
: a publisher's name on the title page of a book
Full Definition of IMPRINT
: something imprinted or printed: as a : a mark or depression made by pressure <the fossil imprint of a dinosaur's foot> b : an identifying name (as of a publisher) placed conspicuously on a product; also : the name under which a publisher issues books c : an indelible distinguishing effect or influence
See imprint defined for English-language learners
Origin of IMPRINT
Middle English enpreent, from Anglo-French emprente, from feminine of emprent, past participle of enpreindre
First Known Use: 15th century
IMPRINT Defined for Kids
1imprint
verb im·print \im-ˈprint\
im·print·edim·print·ing
Definition of IMPRINT for Kids
1
: to make a mark by pressing against a surface : stamp <The design was imprinted on paper.>
2
: to fix firmly in the mind or memory <This day is imprinted in my memory.>
2imprint
noun im·print \ˈim-ˌprint\
Definition of IMPRINT for Kids
: a mark made by pressing against a surface <The tires left an imprint.>
Medical Dictionary
imprint
transitive verb im·print \im-ˈprint, ˈim-ˌ\
Medical Definition of IMPRINT
1
: to fix indelibly or permanently (as on the memory)
2
: to subject to or induce by imprinting <an imprinted preference> <a gene imprinted to be inactive when inherited from the mother>
intransitive verb
: to undergo imprinting
—im·print·er \-ər\ noun
Learn More About IMPRINT
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: imprinted stampPrevious Word in the Dictionary: imprimisAll Words Near: imprint
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up imprint? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).