tattoo
5 synonyms for tattoo, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A permanent design made on the skin by injecting ink with a needle.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
body art
etching
How to use tattoo
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
get a tattoo
tattoo artist
military tattoo
Etymology
Borrowed via English sailors from a Polynesian word (Samoan tatau), which itself meant both "to strike" and "tattoo," reflecting how the ink was traditionally tapped into the skin.
Full origin of tattoo →Frequently asked questions
What does “tattoo” mean?
The word “tattoo” means a permanent design made on the skin by injecting ink with a needle. In plain terms, a permanent skin marking made with ink and needle — unrelated in origin to the military-parade sense, which is a coincidental homonym.
How do you pronounce “tattoo”?
“Tattoo” is pronounced ta-TOO ([tʰæˈtʰʉw] in IPA).
How do you use “tattoo” in a sentence?
Here is “tattoo” used in a sentence: “She got a small tattoo of a swallow on her wrist.”
What part of speech is “tattoo”?
Depending on how it is used, “tattoo” can be a noun and a verb.
Is “tattoo” a common word?
“Tattoo” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “tattoo” have?
“Tattoo” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a permanent design made on the skin by injecting ink with a needle.
What is the plural of tattoo?
The plural of "tattoo" is "tattoos," formed simply by adding -s. It does not take an apostrophe, so "three tattoos" is correct and "three tattoo's" is not.
What is the difference between a tattoo and a temporary tattoo?
A tattoo is a permanent design made by injecting ink under the skin with a needle. A temporary tattoo sits only on the surface of the skin and washes or wears off after a short time.
What is the difference between tattoo as a noun and as a verb?
As a noun, a "tattoo" is the permanent inked design itself, as in "she has a tattoo." As a verb, to "tattoo" is the act of marking someone's skin with such a design, as in "the artist tattooed his arm."
What words commonly go with tattoo?
Common phrases include "get a tattoo," "tattoo artist," and "tattoo parlor." People also speak of a "tattoo design" or "tattoo removal" when talking about the process before and after.
