What does inkwell mean?
An inkwell is a small container holding the ink used by a dip pen or fountain pen. Writers once drew ink from an inkwell and applied it to a pen nib, after which excess ink was often blotted onto a separate sheet. Before ballpoint pens became widely available, an inkwell was a standard part of a writing desk, alongside pens, blotting paper, and sometimes a pen-cleaning tool. Today the term is chiefly historical, but it is still used for antique and decorative examples, and it appears in discussions of traditional handwriting and calligraphy. Although an inkwell can refer to any suitable container, it more specifically denotes a purpose-made vessel with an opening or reservoir from which ink can be taken. The word is also sometimes used metaphorically for a source of written material, though this literary use is much less common than its ordinary historical meaning.
nounA small container designed to hold ink for use with a dip pen or fountain pen. The term is now chiefly historical, though inkwells remain in decorative or traditional writing sets.
- A small container for holding ink, typically used with a dip pen or fountain pen.
"He refilled his fountain pen from the inkwell beside the blotter."
"He refilled his fountain pen from the inkwell beside the blotter."
"The museum displays an ornate inkwell from the Victorian era."
The plural is regular and adds -s.
"Several ornate inkwells are displayed in the antique shop."
Before ballpoint pens became widespread, a writer's essential tools included an inkwell, a pen, and a blotter.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does inkwell come from?
Inkwell is an English compound formed from ink and well, with well used in an older sense meaning a small vessel or receptacle. The compound was recorded by the late medieval period. Ink itself entered English through Old French from Latin encaustum, ultimately derived from Greek roots meaning “in” and “to burn,” originally referring to the method of heating colour into material.
Related word forms
How inkwell is actually used
The word is chiefly historical in practical use. It is still encountered when describing antique writing equipment, fountain pens, and decorative desk sets.