# tattooing

/ˌtæˈtuɪŋ/ (US) · /tætˈuːɪŋ/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/tattooing
Updated: 2026-05-28

## Definition

the process of putting permanent ink under your skin to create a design. It is a common way for people to show their personality or tell a story.

For teachers: the act of applying permanent pigment to the skin using a needle or other instrument. Often used to describe the cultural practice or the specific technique of creating body art.

## Examples

- She is getting tattooing on her arm today.
- The artist spent three hours on the tattooing process to ensure the fine details of the portrait were perfect.
- While tattooing was once viewed as a mark of rebellion, it has now become a mainstream form of self-expression and a legitimate subject of academic study in anthropology and art history.

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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.