identifier

American  

[ahy-den-tuh-fahy-er, i-den-] / aɪˈdɛn təˌfaɪ ər, ɪˈdɛn- /

noun

plural

identifiers

1. something, such as a name, number, code, label, etc., that serves to identify or represent a person or thing.

2. a book, computer application, or other source that one can use to identify something, such as a bird, plant, etc., by matching it with a sound, photo, or description in an inventory.

3. a person who identifies someone or something.

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Other Word Forms

• de-identifier noun
• non-identifier noun
• quasi-identifier noun
• self-identifier noun
• sub-identifier noun

Example Sentences

The artist’s last name is written in block letters along one edge, but there’s some confusion over whether the artist or the school added it later as an identifier.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 7, 2025

The U.S. government is no longer issuing identification documents with an “X” identifier, which could impact some intersex individuals, Lorshbough said.

From Salon • Feb. 12, 2025

A unique identifier number will be given to children across services, akin to an adult's national insurance number.

From BBC • Jan. 28, 2025

The report even suggests a unique identifier could be added to each chip to prevent industrial espionage and "chip smuggling."

From Science Daily • Feb. 15, 2024

It is customary for the first identifier to have the species named after him, or any name he chooses, so long as it is not already in use.

From "The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate" by Jacqueline Kelly