imprimatur

American  

[im-pri-mah-ter, im-prim-uh-ter, im-pri-mey-ter] / ˌɪm prɪˈmɑ tər, ˌɪmˈprɪm ə tər, ˌɪm prɪˈmeɪ tər /

noun

1. an official license to print or publish a book, pamphlet, etc., especially a license issued by a censor of the Roman Catholic Church.

2. sanction or approval; support.

   Our plan has the company president's imprimatur.

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imprimatur British  

/ -ˈmɑː-, ˌɪmprɪˈmeɪtə /

noun

1. RC Church a licence granted by a bishop certifying the Church's approval of a book to be published

2. sanction, authority, or approval, esp for something to be printed

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Etymology

Origin of imprimatur

First recorded in 1630–40; from New Latin: literally, “let it be printed,” Latin: literally, “let it be made by pressing upon (something)”; see impress ¹

Explanation

If you give something your imprimatur, you give it your formal support or approval. An imprimatur is a fancy version of a thumbs-up sign. Originally, an imprimatur was a license that permitted a book to be printed. This word still has the meaning of official or public approval. When the president signs a bill, he gives it his imprimatur. You might give your imprimatur to your favorite rock band by wearing a T-shirt with the band’s logo on it.

Example Sentences

It got a $7 billion subsidy from Washington, and it got the federal government’s imprimatur to sell cellular plans to first responders, a business now worth billions.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 1, 2026

In addition to possessing fewer resources and lacking official imprimatur, nonprofit organizations, with more flexible budgets but also more reliance on donors, are geared towards actionable projects rather than long-term maintenance that require massive investments.

From Salon • Jan. 30, 2026

Even with the power of the White House and the imprimatur of a U.N.

From Slate • Jan. 28, 2026

She needs no institution’s imprimatur, and there’s no corner of the industry promising anything she hasn’t already achieved.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 1, 2025

Well-known quotations embody both of these things: they come with the imprimatur both of ancient derivation, and of the many people who, by passing it on, in some way are understood to have endorsed it.

From "Words Like Loaded Pistols" by Sam Leith