ink
IHNGK
Ink (noun) means a colored liquid used for writing, drawing, or printing. Example: “The pen had run out of ink.”
noun
1
A colored liquid used for writing, drawing, or printing.
"The pen had run out of ink."
"The printer needs a new ink cartridge."
2
Informal for a tattoo.
"He's got some serious ink on both arms."
verb
1
To formally sign a contract or deal.
"The band inked a deal with a major record label."
How to use ink
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe liquid used for writing or printing — also slang for tattoos, and a verb for signing a deal.
Common pairings
ink a deal
get some ink
black ink
ink cartridge
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Word forms
- Plural
- inks
- Third person singular
- inks
- Past tense
- inked
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The pen had run out of _____.
Etymology
From Old French enque, ultimately from Greek enkauston, "burned in" — the purple ink Roman emperors used to sign documents.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for ink
See all rhymes for ink →Frequently asked questions
What does “ink” mean?
The word “ink” means a colored liquid used for writing, drawing, or printing. In plain terms, the liquid used for writing or printing — also slang for tattoos, and a verb for signing a deal.
How do you pronounce “ink”?
“Ink” is pronounced IHNGK (/ˈɪŋk/ in IPA).
How do you use “ink” in a sentence?
Here is “ink” used in a sentence: “The pen had run out of ink.”
What part of speech is “ink”?
Depending on how it is used, “ink” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “ink” come from?
The word “ink” comes from Old French. From Old French enque, ultimately from Greek enkauston, "burned in" — the purple ink Roman emperors used to sign documents.
Is “ink” a common word?
“Ink” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “ink” have?
“Ink” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a colored liquid used for writing, drawing, or printing.
Is ink countable or uncountable?
Ink is normally uncountable: you buy some ink, a bottle of ink, or a cartridge of ink, not "an ink." The plural inks is used for distinct types or colors, as in "this printer uses four inks."
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