What does blotting mean?
Blotting refers to the act of absorbing liquid—most often ink—from a surface using an absorbent material such as blotting paper. The term is closely associated with the era of fountain pens and dip pens, when freshly written ink needed to be dried quickly to prevent smudging, and a sheet of blotting paper sat on virtually every writing desk. Today the word survives chiefly in the fixed phrase 'blotting paper', which is still used in stationery, art, cosmetics (for oil-absorbing facial sheets), and laboratory work. Figuratively, the related phrase 'to blot out' means to erase, obscure, or obliterate something, whether a written word or a memory. While the standalone noun is now somewhat old-fashioned in tone, it carries a distinctly literary and historical flavour, evoking inkwells, quills, and formal correspondence.
The act or process of absorbing liquid, especially ink, from a surface.
"A quick blotting was all the fresh ink needed before the page could be turned."
Often appears as part of the compound 'blotting paper' rather than on its own.
Present participle of 'blot': to absorb liquid from a surface, or to spot/stain with ink.
"She was blotting the spilled tea with a napkin when he arrived."
As a verb form, it is used in progressive tenses or as an adjective ('blotting paper').
Before ballpoint pens took over in the mid-20th century, no desk was complete without a sheet of blotting paper to catch wet ink.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of blotting
The word derives from 'blot', which appeared in English by the late Middle Ages; its ultimate origin is uncertain, though it may be of Scandinavian or Germanic origin. The gerund form 'blotting' developed naturally from the verb, describing the action of soaking up ink or other liquids. It became especially common from around the sixteenth century onward as written correspondence expanded and the need to dry wet ink grew.
Related word forms
How blotting is actually used
Mostly used in the compound 'blotting paper'; standalone use is somewhat dated and literary, tied to fountain-pen culture.
Easily confused with blotting
'Plotting' means secretly planning something or drawing a graph, while 'blotting' means absorbing liquid from a surface.