mug shot
Americannoun
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Also called headshot. an identifying photograph of a suspect or criminal, often one of a set showing a frontal view, a profile view, and a view of the back of the head.
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any closeup photograph of someone's face.
noun
Etymology
Origin of mug shot
First recorded in 1945–50
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
It undermines the intent of the law if, after an expungement, someone can still see a mug shot in a google search, she said.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 2, 2026
Hostin concluded with an invitation to Trump to come on “The View: “I’ll even give you a free ‘View’ mug — not to be confused with a mug shot.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 19, 2025
"The mug shot photo was one of the most searched images, maybe ever," Polin claims Mr Torok said.
From BBC ● Jan. 17, 2025
In his mug shot, the photographer George Steinmetz doesn’t seem especially threatening.
From New York Times ● Nov. 23, 2024
He standardized the mug shot and crime scene photography, achievements which alone would have secured his name in police history.
From "The Mona Lisa Vanishes" by Nicholas Day
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