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
Harvard must immediately reform its student discipline policies and procedures so as to swiftly and transparently enforce its existing disciplinary policies with consistency and impartiality, and without double standards based on identity or ideology.
—
Kayla Jimenez, USA Today, 23 Apr. 2025
Such a war would be motivated, in China, by a politics of identity that is largely impervious to economic rationality and other strategic considerations.
—Rana Mitter, Foreign Affairs, 22 Apr. 2025
Beyond monitoring, many identity theft protection companies provide dedicated recovery specialists who assist you in resolving fraud issues, disputing unauthorized charges and restoring your identity if it’s compromised.
—Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, FOXNews.com, 22 Apr. 2025
Today, the two-story adobe residence is a local, state and national historic landmark offering year-round exhibitions, educational programs and cultural events that explore the many identities of the West.
—Jasmine Desiree, Los Angeles Times, 22 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for identity
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Kayla Jimenez, USA Today, 23 Apr. 2025
Such a war would be motivated, in China, by a politics of identity that is largely impervious to economic rationality and other strategic considerations.
—Rana Mitter, Foreign Affairs, 22 Apr. 2025
Beyond monitoring, many identity theft protection companies provide dedicated recovery specialists who assist you in resolving fraud issues, disputing unauthorized charges and restoring your identity if it’s compromised.
—Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, FOXNews.com, 22 Apr. 2025
Today, the two-story adobe residence is a local, state and national historic landmark offering year-round exhibitions, educational programs and cultural events that explore the many identities of the West.
—Jasmine Desiree, Los Angeles Times, 22 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for identity
Cite this Entry
“Identity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/identity. Accessed 27 Apr. 2025.
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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