WordGarden.iostamp
A2Pronunciation
UK
- /stˈæmp/
US
- /ˈstæmp/
Meanings
Noun
a small printed sticker or label showing payment for sending mail
a device or printed mark used to add a design, date, or official sign to something
Verb
to mark or print something by pressing a stamp onto it
to bring your foot down heavily, often repeatedly
Beyond the definition
A stamp can be many things. You might first think of the small piece of paper you put on a letter before mailing it. It can also be the mark made by pressing an inked seal onto paper, or the act of making that mark. In everyday life, to "stamp" often means to show official approval by marking something, or to bring your foot down hard on the ground: "She stamped her foot in frustration." In all of these uses, the idea is simple: a strong mark, a firm press, or a clear sign.
The word "stamp" is versatile, but its main idea is easy to follow: it usually involves pressing, marking, or showing something clearly. A stamp can be a small piece of paper placed on a letter to show that the cost of mailing has been paid. It can also be a mark made with ink, or a tool used to make that mark, such as a rubber stamp in an office or school.
As a verb, to "stamp" often means to press a mark onto something. People stamp passports, forms, packages, and official papers to show approval, payment, receipt, or control. The word can also describe bringing your foot down hard, either while walking heavily or to show anger, impatience, or emphasis. In a broader sense, "stamp" can mean to give something a clear character or quality, as in saying that a style or event has a particular stamp.
So whether it appears in the mail, on a document, in a loud step, or in the idea of a special mark or character, "stamp" is a word about leaving a clear sign behind.
Examples
- 1
Postage
I need a stamp for this postcard.
- 2
Collecting
He collects old stamps from different countries.
- 3
Passport control
The officer stamped my passport at the airport.
- 4
Package label
The boxes were stamped FRAGILE in red ink.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Angry movement
The little boy stamped his feet when his mother said no.
- 6
Emergency braking
She stamped on the brakes when a cat ran into the road.
- Patternstamp on the brakes
press them very hard and suddenly
- 7
Personal influence
The new coach has already put his stamp on the team.
- Patternput your stamp on + something
make your own style or influence clear
- 8
Official approval
The proposal got the director's stamp of approval.
- Phrasestamp of approval
a clear sign that something is officially accepted
- 9
Ending a problem
The city is trying to stamp out illegal dumping.
- Phrasestamp out
stop something completely
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- stampnounverb
Forms
- stampspluralnounverb
- stampedpast tenseverbnoun
- stamping-ing formverbnoun