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
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.
Other researchers have seen similar particles in invertebrates, like crustaceans and insects, but this new identification marks the first time a related system was found in vertebrates, per Popular Science. Margherita Bassi, Smithsonian Magazine, 18 July 2025 Wiener acknowledged bills have been introduced at the national level by Sen. Alex Padilla, D-California, and Sen. Cory Booker, D-New Jersey, to require immigration enforcement officers to display identification when interacting with the public. Molly Gibbs, Sacbee.com, 16 July 2025 Democratic lawmakers have proposed a bill that would force federal immigration agents to wear visible identification during public enforcement operations. Billal Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 July 2025 To make a precise identification, the N.S.A. would need the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, which oversees imaging satellites, to take a photo. Dexter Filkins, New Yorker, 14 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for identification

Word History

First Known Use

1644, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of identification was in 1644

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Cite this Entry

“Identification.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/identification. Accessed 23 Jul. 2025.

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
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