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

Walker, a 65-year-old London consultant, said she had yet to "make an impression" of the former mayor of Greater Manchester, who was parachuted into the top office by the Labour Party.

From Barron's ● Jul. 20, 2026

Not just the voice, but I don’t want to be stuck doing an impression of this guy for very long.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 14, 2026

“As he limped down the companionway,” the New York Sun reported, “the impression was strong that the Colonel had endured the greatest hardships of his life.”

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 13, 2026

We scan an Italian alternative whose packaging gives you the impression those biscuits have been hand-made by peasant women wearing black shawls.

From BBC ● Jul. 13, 2026

The prosecutor, noting that Elizebeth had “made an unusual impression on the jury,” wrote that they couldn’t have won the case without her.

From "The Woman All Spies Fear" by Amy Butler Greenfield

Ad impressions and prices were higher on the year, as well.

From Barron's ● Jun. 3, 2026

Relatively speaking, the Primetime Emmys are still a massive platform and the social media impressions surrounding the telecast keep growing.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 1, 2026

The Corded Ware were named after the cord-like impressions in their pottery and carried a distinctive genetic signature previously absent from most of Europe.

From Science Daily ● May 30, 2026

A week isn’t enough to understand a war, but as your Global View columnist absorbs an avalanche of impressions and information, three things seem clear.

From The Wall Street Journal ● May 18, 2026

Behind the control room glass, Houseman monitored the rehearsal so that he could give his impressions to Welles.

From "Spooked!" by Gail Jarrow

Related Words

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