tattoo

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Sports British English

n. a large public show with military music and marching.

n. 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.”

C1 · Advanced Countable noun Music Literary

n. a fast, rhythmic sound made by tapping or drumming.

n. 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.”

B1 · Intermediate

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

v. 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.”