ink
Americannoun
-
a fluid or viscous substance used for writing or printing.
-
a dark, protective fluid ejected by the cuttlefish and other cephalopods.
-
Slang. a tattoo or tattoos.
Oh, nice, you got new ink!
-
Informal. publicity, especially in print media.
Their construction plans got some ink in the local paper.
verb (used with object)
-
to mark, stain, cover, or smear with ink.
to ink one's clothes.
-
Informal. to sign one's name to (an official document).
We expect to ink the contract tomorrow.
verb (used with or without object)
noun
-
a fluid or paste used for printing, writing, and drawing
-
a dark brown fluid ejected into the water for self-concealment by an octopus or related mollusc from a gland ( ink sac ) near the anus
verb
-
to mark with ink
-
to coat (a printing surface) with ink
Other Word Forms
- inker noun
- inkless adjective
- inklike adjective
- reink verb (used with object)
- uninked adjective
Etymology
Origin of ink
First recorded in 1200–50; Middle English inke, inc, enke, from Old French enca, enque, ancre, from Late Latin encautum, variant of encaustum “burnt in, painted in,” from Greek énkauston “purple ink (used for imperial signatures),” noun use of neuter of énkaustos “burnt in”; encaustic
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The deal still needs a green light from lawmakers in the European Parliament, which referred it to the EU's top court within days of being inked in January.
From Barron's
It still requires approval from lawmakers in the European Parliament, which referred it to the EU's top court within days of being inked in January.
From Barron's
The renewable-energy company inked a recent deal to sell geothermal power to Google’s growing operations in Nevada.
Japan inked an agreement in late 2025 to accelerate the production of rare earths with the US, which is racing to diversify its supply of critical minerals to cut its reliance on China.
From BBC
He inked a one-year deal with the Minnesota Vikings last March but suffered a season-ending knee injury in their first pre-season game.
From Barron's
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
