imprinting

noun

im·​print·​ing ˈim-ˌprin-tiŋ How to pronounce imprinting (audio)
im-ˈprin-
Synonyms of imprintingnext
: a rapid learning process that takes place early in the life of a social animal (such as a goose) and establishes a behavior pattern (such as recognition of and attraction to its own kind or a substitute)

Examples of imprinting in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Because of paternal imprinting, that means that the person can’t make many of the genes found in this region, even though the gene from their mother is ok. — Ruth Jessen Hickman, Health, 15 Apr. 2026 Remove all contents to prevent imprinting, then lightly stuff the bag with acid-free tissue paper to prevent creasing and help retain the bag’s shape. — Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Nov. 2024 Canon also had to prevent air bubbles from getting between the wafer and the mask during imprinting, which would interfere with the tool’s ability to align the mask to any circuit features already on the wafer. — IEEE Spectrum, 2 Jan. 2025 In Scientific American in 1955, Hasler detailed a decade of research into what came to be called olfactory imprinting. — Greg Uyeno, JSTOR Daily, 27 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for imprinting

Word History

First Known Use

1937, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of imprinting was in 1937

Rhymes for imprinting

See All Rhymes for imprinting

Browse Nearby Words

imprinted stamp
imprinting
imprison
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Imprinting.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/imprinting. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

imprinting

noun
im·​print·​ing ˈim-ˌprint-iŋ How to pronounce imprinting (audio)
im-ˈprint-
: a rapid learning process that takes place early in the life of a social animal (as a goose) and that results in the formation of a special way of behaving (as knowing and being attracted to one's own kind)

Medical Definition

imprinting

noun
im·​print·​ing ˈim-ˌprint-iŋ, im-ˈ How to pronounce imprinting (audio)
1
: a rapid learning process that takes place early in the life of a social animal (as a greylag goose) and establishes a behavior pattern (as recognition of and attraction to its own kind or a substitute)
2
: genomic imprinting
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