inscription
ihn-SKRIHP-shuhn
Inscription (noun) means Words carved, engraved, or otherwise permanently marked onto a surface such as stone, metal, or a monument. Example: “The inscription on the gravestone was barely legible after centuries of weather.”
noun
1
Words carved, engraved, or otherwise permanently marked onto a surface such as stone, metal, or a monument.
"The inscription on the gravestone was barely legible after centuries of weather."
"A Latin inscription ran along the top of the old stone arch."
"Visitors stopped to read the inscription on the base of the statue."
2
A short personal message written at the front of a book or on a gift.
"The book had a handwritten inscription from the author."
"Inside the cover, my aunt had written a kind inscription for my birthday."
"The inscription in the front of the dictionary read, To Sam, with love."
How to use inscription
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishText that has been permanently written, carved, or engraved onto something.
Common pairings
carve an inscription
inscription on a monument
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Word forms
- Plural
- inscriptions
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The _____ on the gravestone was barely legible after centuries of weather.
Etymology
From Latin inscriptio, from inscribere, "to write on/into" — in- plus scribere, "to write."
Related words
Rhymes for inscription
region
ablation
allusion
emulsion
ideation
novation
diffusion
elocution
extension
oxidation
perfusion
selection
See all rhymes for inscription →
Frequently asked questions
What does “inscription” mean?
The word “inscription” means words carved, engraved, or otherwise permanently marked onto a surface such as stone, metal, or a monument. In plain terms, text that has been permanently written, carved, or engraved onto something.
How do you pronounce “inscription”?
“Inscription” is pronounced ihn-SKRIHP-shuhn (/ɪnˈskɹɪpʃən/ in IPA).
How do you use “inscription” in a sentence?
Here is “inscription” used in a sentence: “The inscription on the gravestone was barely legible after centuries of weather.”
What is another word for “inscription”?
Words with a similar meaning to “inscription” include epigraphy.
What part of speech is “inscription”?
“Inscription” is a noun.
Where does the word “inscription” come from?
The word “inscription” comes from Latin. From Latin inscriptio, from inscribere, "to write on/into" — in- plus scribere, "to write.".
Is “inscription” a common word?
“Inscription” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “inscription” have?
“Inscription” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: words carved, engraved, or otherwise permanently marked onto a surface such as stone, metal, or a monument.
What is the difference between an "inscription" and an "engraving"?
An "inscription" refers to the words themselves that are carved, engraved, or marked onto a surface, such as a monument or gift, while "engraving" refers to the technique or process of cutting those marks into a hard surface. An engraving can create an inscription, but "engraving" can also describe decorative images without any words.
Can "inscription" refer to a message written in a book?
Yes, "inscription" also refers to a short personal message written at the front of a book or on a gift, such as "To my dear friend, with love." This everyday sense is distinct from the more permanent carved inscriptions found on stone or metal monuments.
What is the difference between an "inscription" and a "dedication" in a book?
An "inscription" is typically a personal, handwritten message added by the giver or author to a specific recipient, while a "dedication" is usually a printed message from the author to someone, appearing in every copy of the book. Inscriptions are personalized and unique to one copy, whereas dedications are part of the book's printed text.
