mug shot

noun

: a photograph of usually a person's head and especially face
specifically : a police photograph of a suspect's face or profile

Examples of mug shot 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.
In a previous interview with PEOPLE, Stewart remarked on her appearance in her viral mug shot. Liam Quinn, People.com, 24 Mar. 2025 The president recreated the expression from his mug shot for his official portrait, which was released ahead of his inauguration last month. Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 14 Feb. 2025 Years before Donald Trump turned a mug shot into a form of political marketing, Buzbee invited reporters to attend a news conference at an Austin courthouse shortly after Perry had his booking photo and fingerprints taken. Andy Rose, CNN, 11 Dec. 2024 What To Know Analysts have suggested Le Pen may be helped by this decision in a similar fashion to Trump when his mug shot went viral. Ron Estes, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for mug shot

Word History

First Known Use

1950, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of mug shot was in 1950

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Mug shot.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mug%20shot. Accessed 18 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

mug shot

noun
: a photograph of a person's face
especially : a police photograph of a suspect's face or profile

Legal Definition

mug shot

noun
: a police photograph of a suspect's face or profile that is taken when the suspect is booked
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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