# ink

/ˈɪŋk/ (US) · /ˈɪŋk/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/ink
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. writing fluid

noun · CEFR B1

a colored liquid used in pens or printers for writing and drawing.

For teachers: a pigmented or dye-based fluid used for writing, printing, or drawing. Usually uncountable when referring to the substance.

- The pen ran out of ink right in the middle of the exam.
- The printer requires a specific type of archival ink to ensure the photographs do not fade when exposed to direct sunlight.

### 2. squid/octopus fluid

noun · CEFR B2

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

For teachers: 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.

### 3. tattoos

noun · CEFR C1 · Slang · Informal

a casual word for tattoos or the art of tattooing.

For teachers: 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.

### 4. to sign a contract

verb · CEFR B2 · Informal

to officially sign a contract or a deal.

For teachers: 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.

### 5. to tattoo someone

verb · CEFR C1 · Slang · Informal

to mark someone's skin with a permanent tattoo.

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- The pen ran out of ink right before I finished the letter.
- The printer needs a new black ink cartridge before we can produce the final report.
- Ancient scribes often manufactured their own ink using a mixture of soot and organic binders to ensure the longevity of their manuscripts.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.