imprint

American  

[im-print, im-print] / ˈɪm prɪnt, ɪmˈprɪnt /

noun

1. a mark made by pressure; a mark or figure impressed or printed on something.

2. any impression or impressed effect.

   He left the imprint of his thought on all succeeding scholars.

3. Bibliography.

   1. the name of a book's publisher printed on the title page or elsewhere, usually with the place and date of publication.

   2. the statement of such information in a bibliographic description of a printed work.

   3. a name, title, or other designation by which all or certain specific books of a publisher are identified.

4. any marketing name used by a company or organization for a product line; brand or label.

5. the printer's name and address as indicated on any printed matter.

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verb (used with object)

1. to impress (a quality, character, distinguishing mark, etc.).

2. to produce (a mark) on something by pressure.

3. to bestow, as a kiss.

4. to fix firmly on the mind, memory, etc.

5. Animal Behavior, Psychology. to acquire or establish by imprinting.

6. to make an imprint upon.

verb (used without object)

1. to make an impression; have an effect.

imprint British  

noun

1. a mark or impression produced by pressure, printing, or stamping

2. a characteristic mark or indication; stamp

   the imprint of great sadness on his face

3. the publisher's name and address, usually with the date of publication, in a book, pamphlet, etc

4. the printer's name and address on any printed matter

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verb

1. to produce (a mark, impression, etc) on (a surface) by pressure, printing, or stamping

   to imprint a seal on wax

   to imprint wax with a seal

2. to establish firmly; impress; stamp

   to imprint the details on one's mind

3. (of young animals) to undergo the process of imprinting

Other Word Forms

• imprinter
  noun
• reimprint
  verb (used with object)
• unimprinted
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of imprint

1325–75; im- ¹ + print; replacing Middle English empreynten < Middle French empreinter, derivative of empreinte, feminine past participle of empreindre < Latin imprimere to impress ¹

Explanation

To imprint is to mark or stamp something, like with the name of a publisher. It also can refer to any kind of impression or influence. You can imprint or leave imprints — the word is happy as a verb or a noun. You can literally imprint something with a stamp of your initials. You can even make an imprint on a bed just by lying on it. Branding is a type of imprinting too. Also, if someone changed your life, she left an imprint on you. You can hear the imprint (influence) of the blues on any rock and roll song. All imprints leave a mark.

Example Sentences

“The upsurge in oil prices is leaving an appreciable imprint on global inflation,” Citi analysts said in a note on Thursday.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 21, 2026

Still, she suggested the founders' origins might leave a lasting imprint on the firm's character.

From Barron's • May 15, 2026

Nana K. Twumasi, vice president and publisher of the Balance imprint at Grand Central Publishing, recalled paying about $300 for her copy.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 23, 2026

It added: "He leaves a lasting imprint on the soundtrack of our lives and the hearts he has lifted. His legacy will be cherished forever."

From BBC • Apr. 22, 2026

Native peoples also left an indelible imprint on the land with systems of roads that tied their nations and communities together across the entire landmass of the Americas.

From "An Indigenous People’s History of the United States" by Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz

Related Words

• engrave
• etch
• inscribe