# inking

/ˈɪŋkɪŋ/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/inking
Updated: 2026-10-15

## Definition

to cover or mark something with ink, like when you trace a drawing with a dark pen. You do it to make the lines dark and permanent.

For teachers: to apply ink to a surface, especially to trace or darken lines in writing, drawing, or tattooing.

## Examples

- She is inking a small flower on paper.
- The artist is inking the pencil sketch with a fine pen to make the lines dark and clear.
- After weeks of pencilling, she spent the quiet evening inking each panel, thickening shadows and sharpening faces until the story seemed to lift off the page.

## Usage notes

- The verb is transitive and takes a direct object.

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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.