identity
noun
iden·ti·ty
ī-ˈden-tə-tē 
ə-,
-ˈde-nə-
plural identities
1
a
: the distinguishing character or personality of an individual : individuality
b
: the relation established by psychological identification
2
: the condition of being the same with something described or asserted
establish the identity of stolen goods
3
a
: sameness of essential or generic character in different instances
b
: sameness in all that constitutes the objective reality of a thing : oneness
4
: an equation that is satisfied for all values of the symbols
5
Examples of identity in a Sentence
The identity of the criminal is not known.
They produced their passports as proof of their identities.
They arrested the wrong man. It was a case of mistaken identity.
As children grow, they establish their own identities.
people who seem to lack individual identity
His art reflects his cultural identity.
Recent Examples on the Web
These kinds of claims reflect a poor understanding of history and the fluid nature and various interpretations of racial identity in the United States, race and politics experts say.
—
Samantha Putterman, Austin American-Statesman, 22 Nov. 2024
The memo does not provide details about the groups’ identities or give examples of specific burglaries.
—Chris Boyette, CNN, 22 Nov. 2024
Her physical self lies beneath consideration, eaten by a memoir, subjugated and brutalized to prop up an identity.
—Katy Waldman, The New Yorker, 21 Nov. 2024
There were no other workers hurt in what appeared to be an accidental industrial death, according to the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office, which also confirmed Olver's identity.
—Karen Bartunek, The Arizona Republic, 21 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for identity 
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Samantha Putterman, Austin American-Statesman, 22 Nov. 2024
The memo does not provide details about the groups’ identities or give examples of specific burglaries.
—Chris Boyette, CNN, 22 Nov. 2024
Her physical self lies beneath consideration, eaten by a memoir, subjugated and brutalized to prop up an identity.
—Katy Waldman, The New Yorker, 21 Nov. 2024
There were no other workers hurt in what appeared to be an accidental industrial death, according to the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office, which also confirmed Olver's identity.
—Karen Bartunek, The Arizona Republic, 21 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for identity
Articles Related to identity
Dictionary Entries Near identity
Cite this Entry
“Identity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/identity. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
identity
noun
iden·ti·ty
ī-ˈden(t)-ət-ē
ə-ˈden(t)-
plural identities
1
: the condition of being exactly alike : sameness
3
: the fact of being the same person or thing as claimed
prove one's identity
4
Medical Definition
identity
noun
iden·ti·ty
ī-ˈden(t)-ət-ē, ə-ˈ
plural identities
1
: the distinguishing character or personality of an individual
2
: the relation established by psychological identification
Legal Definition
identity
noun
iden·ti·ty
plural identities
1
: sameness of essential character or aspect
collateral estoppel requires identity of the issues and the parties
2
a
: separate or distinct existence
when movables lose their identity or become an integral part of the immovable—Louisiana Civil Code
Louisiana Civil Code
b
: distinguishing character of a person
especially
: information (as a name or address) that distinguishes a person
is required to reveal the identity of an informer
but for a mistake concerning the proper party's identity —Federal Rules of Civil Procedure Rule 15(c)
Federal Rules of Civil Procedure Rule 15(c) 3
: the condition of being the same as a thing or person described, claimed, or accused
character evidence of a suspect's past crimes may be admitted to prove the identity of a crime's perpetrator
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