ink

B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun Science

n. the dark liquid that sea animals like squid spray to hide from enemies.

n. the dark, protective fluid ejected by cephalopods, such as squid or octopuses, to obscure the view of predators.

“The octopus released a cloud of dark ink and escaped into the rocks.”

“Marine biologists observed the cuttlefish using its ink as a decoy to confuse the approaching shark.”

C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Slang · Informal

n. a casual word for tattoos or the art of tattooing.

n. a metonymic reference to tattoos or the professional work of a tattoo artist.

“He spent the whole weekend getting some new ink on his arm.”

“The gallery featured a collection of photographs documenting the intricate ink worn by sailors in the early twentieth century.”

B2 · Upper Intermediate Informal

v. to officially sign a contract or a deal.

v. to formally execute or conclude a contract or agreement by signing it. Transitive use.

“The famous player is expected to ink a new deal with the team tomorrow.”

“After months of intense negotiations, the two tech giants finally inked a merger agreement that will reshape the industry.”

C1 · Advanced Slang · Informal

v. to mark someone's skin with a permanent tattoo.

v. to apply a tattoo to a person's skin. Transitive use.

“The artist spent five hours inking the detailed design onto her back.”

“He has been inking clients at this studio for over a decade, specializing in traditional maritime designs.”