identification

noun

iden·​ti·​fi·​ca·​tion ī-ˌden-tə-fə-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce identification (audio)
ə-
1
a
: an act of identifying : the state of being identified
b
: evidence of identity
2
a
: psychological orientation of the self in regard to something (such as a person or group) with a resulting feeling of close emotional association
b
: a largely unconscious process whereby an individual models thoughts, feelings, and actions after those attributed to an object that has been incorporated as a mental image

Examples of identification in a Sentence

A member of the family was brought in for identification of the body. The birds are tagged for easy identification. The police have made a positive identification of the suspect. You need two forms of identification. the movie audience's identification with the good guys
Recent Examples on the Web After a two-week trial, a jury in Brooklyn found Martin, 36, guilty on all counts of an indictment charging him with murder-for-hire, murder-for-hire conspiracy, wire fraud conspiracy, aggravated identify theft and fraudulent use of identification. Minnah Arshad, USA TODAY, 5 Mar. 2024 This occurred as part of a broader 2022 elections bill requiring voters to show photo identification, and the primary was never rescheduled. Democrat-Gazette Staff From Wire Reports, arkansasonline.com, 3 Mar. 2024 Exceptions: South Beach residents and workers in the area will be allowed to park in those garages and lots at the normal rate, but need to show identification that proves residency or employment. Howard Cohen, Miami Herald, 1 Mar. 2024 Arizona requires voters to provide proof of identification. Arizona Republic, The Arizona Republic, 29 Feb. 2024 Usually, employers will ask for some form of identification, especially when conducting background checks or completing paperwork for tax purposes. Sho Dewan, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024 Do children need a Real ID? People younger than 18 still do not need identification when traveling with a companion within the United States. Liz Kellar, Detroit Free Press, 28 Feb. 2024 Here's the Wisconsin Elections Commission's list of accepted forms of identification. Journal Sentinel, 26 Feb. 2024 People under the age of 18 still do not need identification when traveling with a companion within the United States. The Indianapolis Star, 26 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'identification.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1644, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of identification was in 1644

Dictionary Entries Near identification

Cite this Entry

“Identification.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/identification. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

identification

noun
iden·​ti·​fi·​ca·​tion ī-ˌdent-ə-fə-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce identification (audio)
ə-ˌdent-
1
: an act of identifying : the state of being identified
2
: evidence of identity
carry identification at all times

Medical Definition

identification

noun
iden·​ti·​fi·​ca·​tion ī-ˌdent-ə-fə-ˈkā-shən, ə- How to pronounce identification (audio)
1
: an act of identifying : the state of being identified
2
a
: psychological orientation of the self in regard to something (as a person or group) with a resulting feeling of close emotional association
b
: a largely unconscious process whereby an individual models thoughts, feelings, and actions after those attributed to an object that has been incorporated as a mental image
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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