impression
noun
im·pres·sion
im-ˈpre-shən 
1
: the effect produced by impressing: such as
a
: an especially marked and often favorable influence or effect on feeling, sense, or mind
b
: a stamp, form, or figure resulting from physical contact
c
: an imprint of the teeth and adjacent portions of the jaw for use in dentistry
2
: an often indistinct or imprecise notion or remembrance
3
a
: a telling image impressed on the senses or the mind
b
: an effect of alteration or improvement
The settlement left little impression on the wilderness.
c
: a characteristic, trait, or feature resulting from some influence
the impression on behavior produced by the social milieu
4
: an imitation or representation of salient features in an artistic or theatrical medium
especially
: an imitation in caricature of a noted personality as a form of theatrical entertainment
5
: the act of impressing: such as
a
: an affecting by stamping or pressing
b
: a communicating of a mold, trait, or character by an external force or influence
6
: page view
especially
: an instance in which a specific element (such as an advertisement) is displayed on a web page accessed by a user
Although many consumers have never heard of ad tech firms, people's online activity is influenced every day by these companies as they battle for a share of ad impressions on phones, tablets, and laptops. —
Claire Ballentine
Claire Ballentine 7
a
: the amount of pressure with which an inked printing surface deposits its ink on the paper
b
: one instance of the meeting of a printing surface and the material being printed
also
: a single print or copy so made
c
: all the copies (as of a book) printed in one continuous operation from a single makeready
8
a
: the first coat of color in painting
b
: a coat of paint for ornament or preservation
Examples of impression in a Sentence
The candidate made a favorable impression.
My first impression of him was that he was a kind and thoughtful young man.
First impressions are important but can be misleading.
In her journal, she recorded her impressions of the city.
Her kindness left a lasting impression on her students.
I got the distinct impression that they didn't mean to stay long.
Recent Examples on the Web
Coughlan went on to describe her mother’s first impression of the series, which establishes a dress code for episodes pretty quickly.
—J. Kim Murphy, Variety, 6 Apr. 2024
Exactly 49 years ago today, Bill Gates and Paul Allen founded Microsoft—a company that’s had a lasting impression and impact on the software industry, and big tech itself.
—Sydney Lake, Fortune, 4 Apr. 2024
Cone said Clark’s physical presence leaves a lasting impression and encourages people to care more about conservation efforts.
—Sydney Page, Washington Post, 3 Apr. 2024
Ladies, for an unforgettable impression, consider this curve-enhancing jumpsuit your secret weapon.
—Larry Stansbury, Essence, 3 Apr. 2024
His work on the series is regarded highly to this day, from his impressions of Richard Nixon and Gregory Peck, to his original characters Big Jim McBob, Guy Caballero and Count Floyd.
—Kaitlyn Huamani, Los Angeles Times, 2 Apr. 2024
In the two tracking weeks after (Nov. 17-30), his catalog raked in 8,000 spins (down 28%), equaling 17.3 million impressions (down 26%).
—Xander Zellner, Billboard, 1 Apr. 2024
According to court documents, Cutter provided two psychological evaluations by a licensed psychologist at Blue Ridge Behavior Systems, Inc.
The first was in 1999 and describes Cutter’s mental status, medical history, psychological testing, and diagnostic impressions.
—Jeff A. Chamer, Charlotte Observer, 29 Mar. 2024
There are also appearances by actors portraying Snap, Crackle, and Pop, Chef Boyardee, and an accent-heavy impression of John F. Kennedy.
—Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 28 Mar. 2024
J. Kim Murphy, Variety, 6 Apr. 2024
Exactly 49 years ago today, Bill Gates and Paul Allen founded Microsoft—a company that’s had a lasting impression and impact on the software industry, and big tech itself.
—Sydney Lake, Fortune, 4 Apr. 2024
Cone said Clark’s physical presence leaves a lasting impression and encourages people to care more about conservation efforts.
—Sydney Page, Washington Post, 3 Apr. 2024
Ladies, for an unforgettable impression, consider this curve-enhancing jumpsuit your secret weapon.
—Larry Stansbury, Essence, 3 Apr. 2024
His work on the series is regarded highly to this day, from his impressions of Richard Nixon and Gregory Peck, to his original characters Big Jim McBob, Guy Caballero and Count Floyd.
—Kaitlyn Huamani, Los Angeles Times, 2 Apr. 2024
In the two tracking weeks after (Nov. 17-30), his catalog raked in 8,000 spins (down 28%), equaling 17.3 million impressions (down 26%).
—Xander Zellner, Billboard, 1 Apr. 2024
According to court documents, Cutter provided two psychological evaluations by a licensed psychologist at Blue Ridge Behavior Systems, Inc.
The first was in 1999 and describes Cutter’s mental status, medical history, psychological testing, and diagnostic impressions.
—Jeff A. Chamer, Charlotte Observer, 29 Mar. 2024
There are also appearances by actors portraying Snap, Crackle, and Pop, Chef Boyardee, and an accent-heavy impression of John F. Kennedy.
—Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 28 Mar. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'impression.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near impression
Cite this Entry
“Impression.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/impression. Accessed 18 Apr. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
impression
noun
im·pres·sion
im-ˈpresh-ən
1
: the act or process of impressing
2
a
: something (as a design or a footprint) made by pressing or stamping
b
: something that impresses or is impressed on one's mind
those words made a strong impression
the candidate made a good impression
3
: a memory or belief that is vague or uncertain
it's my impression that you don't have to go
4
: an imitation of a famous person done for entertainment
Medical Definition
impression
noun
im·pres·sion
im-ˈpresh-ən
1
: an imprint in plastic material of the surfaces of the teeth and adjacent portions of the jaw from which a likeness may be produced in dentistry
2
: an especially marked influence or effect on the senses or the mind
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