impression

American  

[im-presh-uhn] / ɪmˈprɛʃ ən /

noun

• impressions
  plural

1. 

   a strong effect produced on the intellect, feelings, conscience, etc.

2. the first and immediate effect of an experience or perception upon the mind; sensation.

   Synonyms:

   imprint, impact

3. the effect produced by an agency or influence.

4. a notion, remembrance, belief, etc., often of a vague or indistinct nature.

   He had a general impression of lights, voices, and the clinking of silver.

   Synonyms:

   feeling

5. a mark, indentation, figure, etc., produced by pressure.

6. an image in the mind caused by something external to it.

7. the act of impressing; state of being impressed.

8. Dentistry. a mold taken, in plastic materials or plaster of Paris, of teeth and the surrounding tissues.

9. an imitation of the voice, mannerisms, and other traits of a person, especially a famous person, as by an entertainer.

   The comedian did a hilarious impression of the president.

10. Chiefly Printing.

    1. the process or result of printing from type, plates, etc.

    2. a printed copy from type, a plate, an engraved block, etc.

    3. one of a number of printings made at different times from the same set of type, without alteration (distinguished from edition).

    4. the total number of copies of a book, pamphlet, etc., printed at one time from one setting of type or from one set of plates.

11. Metalworking. a portion of a die having in reverse the intended form of an object to be forged.

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impression British  

/ ɪmˈprɛʃən /

noun

1. an effect produced in the mind by a stimulus; sensation

   he gave the impression of wanting to help

2. an imprint or mark produced by pressing

   he left the impression of his finger in the mud

3. a vague idea, consciousness, or belief

   I had the impression we had met before

4. a strong, favourable, or remarkable effect

   he made an impression on the managers

5. the act of impressing or the state of being impressed

6. printing

   1. the act, process, or result of printing from type, plates, etc

   2. one of a number of printings of a publication printed from the same setting of type with no or few alterations Compare edition

   3. the total number of copies of a publication printed at one time

7. dentistry an imprint of the teeth and gums, esp in wax or plaster, for use in preparing crowns, inlays, or dentures

8. an imitation or impersonation

   he did a funny impression of the politician

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impression Idioms  

1. see make an impression under the impression.

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• preimpression
  noun
• impressional
  adjective
• impressionless
  adjective
• impressionally
  adverb

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• impressions
  plural

Etymology

Origin of impression

First recorded in 1325–75; Middle English impressio(u)n, from Latin impressiōn-, stem of impressiō; equivalent to impress ¹ + -ion

Explanation

An impression is an imprint, either in one’s mind or on an object. To make a good impression on your friend's parents, don't let your muddy boots leave impressions on their perfect white kitchen floor. The noun impression comes from the Latin word imprimere, which means “press into or upon,” or “stamp.” When you press a coin into a piece of modeling clay there will be an impression, or likeness, of its design in the clay. Another kind of impression is a performance in which you act, talk, move and even attempt to look like another person, like the impression of your teacher that got you into trouble when he saw you.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

impression impressions

He was “instructing me how to give the impression . . . that something was taking place even though it wasn’t,” Mr. Lloyd writes.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 9, 2026

But when David posted the scene several hours later, the editing gave viewers the impression of a major clash -- a violent confrontation in Israel's secular heart.

From Barron's ● Oct. 9, 2026

The decisions these couples made in their 20s had a lasting impression on their financial circumstances three decades later.

From MarketWatch ● Oct. 7, 2026

What has been offered, including a website for students to express their grievances and an afternoon of internal discussion in schools on Friday, has made little impression so far.

From BBC ● Oct. 6, 2026

Major Tooth stops pacing and does a dead-on impression of Winston Churchill’s bulldog growl: “We shall never surrender!”

From "The Bletchley Riddle" by Ruta Sepetys and Steve Sheinkin

"It comes back to passing your audition. First impressions matter," says Inglethorpe.

From BBC ● Oct. 8, 2026

It can take time for price impressions to evolve.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 30, 2026

"A job interview is all about first impressions," he says.

From BBC ● Sep. 25, 2026

But then Reece receives a phone call from Catherine, knocking all first impressions sideways.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 22, 2026

No matter how much one has read about africa beforehand, one’s first impressions from actually being there are overwhelming.

From "Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies" by Jared M. Diamond

Related Words

• belief
• concept
• image
• memory
• notion
• opinion
• perception
• recollection
• sense
• suspicion
• theory
• thought
• view