# tattoo

/ˌtæˈtu/ (US) · /tætˈuː/ (UK)

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

## Senses

### 1. ink on skin

noun · CEFR A2

a permanent picture or design made on your skin using a needle and ink.

For teachers: a permanent design or mark made on the body by the insertion of pigment into the dermis.

- He has a small tattoo of an anchor on his left arm.
- The artist spent four hours completing the intricate tattoo, ensuring the fine lines of the geometric pattern were perfectly symmetrical.

### 2. military display

noun · CEFR B2 · British English

a large public show with military music and marching.

For teachers: a military exercise or pageant, typically involving music and marching, often performed as an evening entertainment.

- Thousands of people travel to Scotland every year to see the Edinburgh Military Tattoo.
- The annual tattoo featured a spectacular coordination of pipe bands and light displays that drew spectators from across the globe.

### 3. rhythmic tapping

noun · CEFR C1 · Literary

a fast, rhythmic sound made by tapping or drumming.

For teachers: a rapid, rhythmic drumming or tapping sound.

- The rain beat a steady tattoo against the metal roof of the cabin.
- His fingers beat a nervous tattoo on the mahogany desk while he waited for the board to announce their final decision.

### 4. to mark skin

verb · CEFR B1

to mark someone's skin with a permanent design.

For teachers: to mark a person or a part of the body with an indelible design by inserting pigment into the skin.

- She decided to have her daughter's name tattooed on her wrist.
- The specialist was commissioned to tattoo a realistic portrait onto the client's shoulder, a process requiring multiple sessions to achieve the desired depth.

## Examples

- He has a small tattoo of a bird on his wrist.
- She decided to get a tattoo to celebrate her graduation from university.
- While once viewed primarily as a mark of rebellion or military service, the tattoo has evolved into a sophisticated medium for personal storytelling and artistic expression.

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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.