1. the process of taking or recording the fingerprints of a person, especially for identification or criminal records
Usage: commonly used in law enforcement and security contexts
2. a distinctive pattern or characteristic that uniquely identifies something
Usage: figurative use; common in technology and science

1. to take or record the fingerprints of someone
Usage: present participle form of fingerprint
2. to identify or analyze something by its distinctive characteristics or pattern
Usage: figurative use; common in scientific and technical contexts

Examples

• All new employees must undergo fingerprinting before they can start work.
• The police used fingerprinting to identify the suspect at the crime scene.
• Scientists are fingerprinting the DNA samples to determine paternity.
• Each software program has a unique digital fingerprinting signature.
• The security system requires fingerprinting for access to the building.
• Fingerprinting technology has become standard in modern law enforcement.
• Researchers used fingerprinting techniques to analyze the chemical composition of the substance.