imprimatur

noun

im·​pri·​ma·​tur ˌim-prə-ˈmä-ˌtu̇r How to pronounce imprimatur (audio) im-ˈpri-mə-ˌtu̇r How to pronounce imprimatur (audio)
-ˌtyu̇r
1
b
c
: a mark of approval or distinction
2
a
: a license to print or publish especially by Roman Catholic episcopal authority
b
: approval of a publication under circumstances of official censorship

Did you know?

Imprimatur means "let it be printed" in New Latin. It comes from Latin imprimere, meaning to "imprint" or "impress." In the 1600s, the word appeared in the front matter of books, accompanied by the name of an official authorizing the book's printing. In time, English speakers began using imprimatur in the general sense of "official approval."

Examples of imprimatur in a Sentence

He gave the book his imprimatur. could not begin the project without the boss's imprimatur
Recent Examples on the Web This feels like a moment manufactured for him, as Las Vegas furthers the polishing of its image with the imprimatur of the N.F.L., which has made a seminal turn of its own with a public embrace of the gambling industry. Billy Witz Sinna Nasseri, New York Times, 10 Feb. 2024 Representatives of the Broadway League, which includes many producers, theater owners and operators, are more inclined to support the first option, as many shows may not be able to survive for months on end without the imprimatur of a Tony on their marquees and promotional materials. Scott Feinberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 12 May 2023 Representatives of the Broadway League, which includes many producers and theater owners and operators, are more inclined to support the first option, as many shows may not be able to survive for months on end without the imprimatur of a Tony on their marquees and promotional materials. Scott Feinberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 12 May 2023 The innuendo and inaccuracies, circulated not just in the far reaches of the internet but with the imprimatur of the state’s attorney general, helped make Arizona an epicenter of distrust in the democratic process, eroding confidence not just in the 2020 vote but in subsequent elections. Yvonne Wingett Sanchez and Isaac Stanley-Becker, Anchorage Daily News, 22 Feb. 2023 They're widely shared among right wing media figures and carry the imprimatur of an official legislative proceeding. Jonathan J. Cooper, ajc, 28 Feb. 2023 In choosing Windsor as the site and name of the agreement, Mr. Sunak appeared to reach not so subtly for the imprimatur of King Charles III, who welcomed Ms. von der Leyen for tea at Windsor Castle after her meeting with the prime minister. Stephen Castle, New York Times, 27 Feb. 2023 The rollout of AP African American studies was a significant milestone for high schools and the College Board, giving the imprimatur of a national brand of college-level education to an academic field born during the civil rights movement. Nick Anderson, Washington Post, 19 Feb. 2023 Yes, but this one bears the imprimatur of an Oscar-winning director. Matthew Gilbert, BostonGlobe.com, 24 Oct. 2022

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

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, let it be printed, from imprimere to print, from Latin, to imprint, impress — more at impress entry 1

First Known Use

1640, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

Time Traveler
The first known use of imprimatur was in 1640

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Dictionary Entries Near imprimatur

Cite this Entry

“Imprimatur.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/imprimatur. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

imprimatur

noun
im·​pri·​ma·​tur ˌim-prə-ˈmä-tu̇(ə)r How to pronounce imprimatur (audio)
: official approval (as to print or publish)

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