mug shot

or mugshot

noun

, Slang.

1. Also called headshot. an identifying photograph of a suspect or criminal, often one of a set showing a frontal view, a profile view, and a view of the back of the head.
2. any closeup photograph of someone's face.

mug shot

noun

1. informal.
   a photograph of a person's face, esp one resembling a police-file picture

Word History and Origins

Origin of mug shot¹

First recorded in 1945–50

Example Sentences

That was followed by Alpha Male diatribes on book banning, the Black “Little Mermaid,” Trump’s mug shot, ruminations on Hunter Biden’s laptop and swipes at President Biden, whom he calls “Papa Long Hugs.”

From Los Angeles Times

But in his multiple mug shots, I swear I see a shadow of my mom's eyes.

From Salon

Last August, Trump posted a photo of his mug shot after he surrendered to authorities in Georgia on charges he conspired to overturn his the 2020 election.

From Los Angeles Times

T-shirts with Trump's mug shot were for sale.

From BBC

Was it just another opportunity to look tough, like his glowering expression in his mug shot?

From Salon

Related Words

• mug