impression

American  

[im-presh-uhn] / ɪmˈprɛʃ ən /

noun

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 (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

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

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

The President may have to disabuse them of that impression.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 10, 2026

It had never made a strong enough impression to follow me into adulthood, and so it didn’t.

From Salon • Apr. 10, 2026

But at its southern terminus, that impression begins to shift.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 7, 2026

Boys these days are under the impression that they need an extreme makeover to get the girl.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 6, 2026

“I’m sorry,” Mr. Poe said, “what were we talking about? Oh, yes, Count Olaf. I’m sorry you don’t have a good first impression of him.”

From "The Bad Beginning" by Lemony Snicket

Related Words

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