ink

noun

A pigment (or dye)-based fluid used for writing, printing etc.

(countable) A particular type, color or container of this fluid.

The black or dark-colored fluid ejected by squid, octopus etc, as a protective strategy.

(slang, uncountable) Publicity.

(slang, uncountable) Tattoo work.

(slang) Cheap red wine.

verb

(transitive) To apply ink to; to cover or smear with ink.

(transitive) To sign (a contract or similar document).

(transitive) To apply a tattoo to (someone).

(intransitive, of a squid or octopus) to eject ink (sense 3)

Roots

kaustosink- · Greek · burnt

Synonyms for ink

inkwelln inkstandn stylograph stenciln smudgen inkhorn quilln stylusn

Synonyms & related words for ink

Find synonyms, related words, and the definition of ink — including inkwell, inkstand, stylograph, stencil, smudge, inkhorn. Dendril is a free visual thesaurus that shows them on an interactive map where stronger matches sit closer to the center — no signup, no ads.

Words related to ink

Explore words related to ink — words associated with it, words that go with it, and its nearest matches in meaning. Related words include inky, tusche, printers, pens, printhead, printing, toner, ballpoint. Click any word to make it the center of the map and keep exploring the web of connections.

Synonyms for ink

Common synonyms for ink include inkwell, inkstand, stylograph, stencil, smudge, inkhorn, quill, stylus — words that share a close meaning. Hover or tap any word on the map for its definition and part of speech.

Where does ink come from?

The word ink breaks down into one root of Greek origin: the root ink-, from Greek kaustos (“burnt”). Explore each root to see other English words built from the same source.