fine print

American  

[fahyn] / faɪn /

noun

1. printed matter in small-sized type.

2. the detailed wording of a contract, lease, insurance policy, or the like, often set in type smaller than the main body of the document and including general restrictions or qualifications that could be considered disadvantageous.

   Make sure you read the fine print before signing.

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fine print British  

noun

1. Also called: small print.  matter set in small type, as in a contract, esp considered as containing unfavourable conditions that the signer might overlook

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Other Word Forms

• fine-print
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of fine print

First recorded in 1955–60

Example Sentences

The fine print and implementation will matter, she said.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 22, 2026

When such a product enters the conversation, the fine print matters.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 17, 2026

Figuring out which direction each of these pastors pulled—toward a Christian nation or an Americanized Christianity, or both—might have added fine print to Mr. Sutton’s catalog of believers.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 19, 2026

Drivers say the fine print on the offers dictates which card they use and where they fill up gas, making it difficult for them to save money.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 18, 2026

To learn that they contain chlordane or dieldrin one must read exceedingly fine print placed on the least conspicuous part of the sack.

From "Silent Spring" by Rachel Carson