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.
This flight, and others that may follow, will likely be intercepted by fighters for visual identification. Kristan Hawkins, Newsweek, 7 Feb. 2025 Another option is for taxpayers to request an identity protection pin from the IRS, which prevents someone else from filing a tax return using their Social Security number or individual taxpayer identification number. Cheryl Winokur Munk, CNBC, 7 Feb. 2025 The ring was inscribed with his wedding date — Dec. 25, 1908 — and the body was identified as a German soldier from World War I, researchers said, confirmed by the discovery of his identification plate. Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 6 Feb. 2025 The Oklahoma Medical Examiner’s Office responded to the scene and collected the remains, which were brought back to the office for further examination and identification. Veronica Fulton, NBC News, 6 Feb. 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

Dictionary Entries Near identification

Cite this Entry

“Identification.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/identification. Accessed 16 Feb. 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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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