imprint

[im-print, im-print]

noun

1. a mark made by pressure; a mark or figure impressed or printed on something.

2. any impression or impressed effect.

   He left the imprint of his thought on all succeeding scholars.

3. Bibliography.

   1. the name of a book's publisher printed on the title page or elsewhere, usually with the place and date of publication.

   2. the statement of such information in a bibliographic description of a printed work.

   3. a name, title, or other designation by which all or certain specific books of a publisher are identified.

4. any marketing name used by a company or organization for a product line; brand or label.

5. the printer's name and address as indicated on any printed matter.

verb (used with object)

1. to impress (a quality, character, distinguishing mark, etc.).

2. to produce (a mark) on something by pressure.

3. to bestow, as a kiss.

4. to fix firmly on the mind, memory, etc.

5. Animal Behavior, Psychology.,  to acquire or establish by imprinting.

6. to make an imprint upon.

verb (used without object)

1. to make an impression; have an effect.

imprint

noun

1. a mark or impression produced by pressure, printing, or stamping

2. a characteristic mark or indication; stamp

   the imprint of great sadness on his face

3. the publisher's name and address, usually with the date of publication, in a book, pamphlet, etc

4. the printer's name and address on any printed matter

verb

1. to produce (a mark, impression, etc) on (a surface) by pressure, printing, or stamping

   to imprint a seal on wax

   to imprint wax with a seal

2. to establish firmly; impress; stamp

   to imprint the details on one's mind

3. (of young animals) to undergo the process of imprinting

Other Word Forms

• imprinter noun
• reimprint verb (used with object)
• unimprinted adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of imprint¹

1325–75; im- ¹ + print; replacing Middle English empreynten < Middle French empreinter, derivative of empreinte, feminine past participle of empreindre < Latin imprimere to impress ¹

Example Sentences

Her memoir will be published by Penguin Random House’s conservative Sentinel imprint and come with a reported $2 million advance.

From Salon

Once this is strongly imprinted in the brain, the older you are, the more difficult it is to change.

From BBC

“These moments imprint on young minds, distracting them from academic lessons and replacing intellectual curiosity with worry.”

From Los Angeles Times

But once the ball went up, Clark left her imprint not in ink but as an assistant coach to her Fever squad.

From Los Angeles Times

Perhaps inevitably, from 1973 to roughly 1983, they branched out as solo artists, making records that left little imprint on the public consciousness.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• engrave 
• etch 
• inscribe