ink
ink Lexical Profile
ink Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A colored fluid or paste used for writing, drawing, printing, or duplicating.
"She preferred to write her letters with a fountain pen filled with blue ink."
(Informal) A permanent design or mark made on the skin; a tattoo.
"He went to the parlor over the weekend to get some new ink on his forearm."
A dark, protective fluid ejected by cephalopods such as squid and octopuses to confuse predators.
"The octopus released a cloud of ink to mask its escape into the coral reef."
• verb
To sign a formal contract or agreement.
"The star quarterback finally inked a five-year extension with the team."
To mark, coat, or stain a surface with ink, particularly in preparation for printing or outlining a drawing.
"The comic book artist carefully inked the pencil sketches before passing them to the colorist."
To apply a permanent tattoo to someone's skin.
"She has been inking clients at her downtown studio for over a decade."
• Rhymes for ink
Word Origin & Etymology
From Middle English 'inke', from Old French 'enque', which is derived from Late Latin 'encaustum' meaning 'burned in' (referring to the heat used in preparing certain ancient inks).
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.