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imprinting

noun
im·​print·​ing | \ ˈim-ËŒprin-tiÅ‹ How to pronounce imprinting (audio) , im-ˈprin-\

Definition of imprinting

: 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

 That is when 400 million years of munch-time imprinting takes over. — Tom Stienstra, SFChronicle.com, "Great white sharks show up in huge numbers along the coast," 26 July 2019 Considering the deep imprinting of Muppetry on the Google mindset, the TV commercial won’t be the last of the partnership of the Henson’s puppets and the internet giant. — Steven Levy, WIRED, "Why Google Just Can’t Quit the Muppets," 27 Dec. 2011

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'imprinting.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of imprinting

1937, in the meaning defined above

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More Definitions for imprinting

imprinting

noun
im·​print·​ing | \ ˈim-ËŒprint-iÅ‹, im-ˈ How to pronounce imprinting (audio) \

Medical Definition of imprinting

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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More from Merriam-Webster on imprinting

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with imprinting

Nglish: Translation of imprinting for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of imprinting for Arabic Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about imprinting

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