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

He now gives them less weight, having seen repeated disputes over the fine print of betting contracts.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 11, 2026

Within the past two years, authorities codified the fine print on fund management, payment and settlement, accounting, and taxation, among other essential pillars.

From Barron's • Apr. 9, 2026

But the market is not pricing the fine print.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 6, 2026

Still, many Kalshi traders were irate that a seemingly simple question on the prediction market could be undone by the fine print.

From Barron's • Mar. 2, 2026

I pointed to the fine print, my palms getting sweaty even at this tiny amount of confrontation.

From "From Twinkle, with Love" by Sandhya Menon