identifier

American  

[ahy-den-tuh-fahy-er, i-den-] / aɪˈdɛn təˌfaɪ ər, ɪˈdɛn- /

noun

plural

identifiers

1. something, such as a name, number, code, label, etc., that serves to identify or represent a person or thing.

2. a book, computer application, or other source that one can use to identify something, such as a bird, plant, etc., by matching it with a sound, photo, or description in an inventory.

3. a person who identifies someone or something.

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identifier British  

/ aɪˈdɛntɪˌfaɪ /

noun

1. a person or thing that establishes the identity of someone or something

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Other Word Forms

• de-identifier noun
• non-identifier noun
• quasi-identifier noun
• self-identifier noun
• sub-identifier noun

Example Sentences

A unique identifier number will be given to children across services, akin to an adult's national insurance number.

From BBC • Jan. 28, 2025

Furthermore, some critics of Rapid DNA have warned that by probing into a unique identifier that reveals sensitive medical information, the technology is a violation of privacy and civil liberties.

From Salon • Aug. 5, 2024

The report even suggests a unique identifier could be added to each chip to prevent industrial espionage and "chip smuggling."

From Science Daily • Feb. 15, 2024

This is the goal of trademarks: to serve as a source identifier so you can distinguish your favorite type of fish-shaped cracker or clutch bag from others in the marketplace.

From Slate • Feb. 13, 2024

In the spot where the identifier should have been, there were instead a censor’s thick black box and the words “I.D. Temporarily Removed from System.”

From "Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library" by Chris Grabenstein