What does ink mean?
Ink is a liquid or viscous colored substance used to make writing, drawings, printed marks, or signatures. It is commonly black, but it may also be blue, red, or another color, and modern printers use specially formulated inks for different surfaces and printing processes. In everyday language, “ink” can refer not only to the substance but also to the words or marks it creates: a document may be described as being “in ink,” while an unwanted mark on a page may be called an ink stain. Figuratively, the word can suggest official or permanent written commitment, as in “a contract in ink.” Ink can also function as a verb, meaning to write, draw, sign, or cover something with ink. Although the material has long been associated with pens and traditional printing, the term now commonly appears in contexts involving inkjet printers, cartridges, pens, and digital ink display technologies.
A colored liquid or viscous substance used for writing, drawing, or printing; by extension, the written material or marks made with it.
"The printer replaced the empty ink cartridge."
The substance itself is normally uncountable. The plural “inks” is used when referring to different colors, types, or individual supplies.
To write, draw, sign, or cover something with ink.
"The artist inked the illustration with fine black lines."
The verb is transitive and is especially common in writing, printing, publishing, and art-related contexts.
Usually uncountable when referring to the substance as a mass noun; “inks” is used for different colors, formulations, or individual supplies.
"The printer uses two separate inks to produce the labels."
The word ink comes through Latin from a Greek term associated with the ancient technique of burning designs into wax.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does ink come from?
The English word ink comes from Latin inc, meaning “ink,” which was borrowed from Greek enkaustikos, a term related to burnt-in decoration and encaustic painting. Greek enkaustikos was formed from the prefix en- and kaustikos, meaning “burning” or “caustic.” The same Greek root is reflected in English words such as caustic and encaustic, linking the word ink to an ancient tradition of producing images by burning pigment into a heated material.
Related word forms
How ink is actually used
Ink is usually an uncountable mass noun when referring to the substance, although the plural “inks” can refer to separate colors, types, or cartridges. In figurative expressions such as “a contract in ink,” it conveys the idea of a formal written or signed agreement.
Easily confused with ink
Ink is used to write, draw, or print, whereas dye is primarily used to impart color to materials such as fabric or hair.
Ink is a liquid or semi-liquid medium for fine marks and writing, while paint is generally a thicker coating applied to surfaces.