What does tattooing mean?
Tattooing is the practice of making permanent designs on the skin by placing pigment beneath its surface with needles. The term may refer to the activity itself, the process used to create body art, or the art form more generally. In everyday use, it is usually an uncountable noun, while individual decorated designs are called tattoos. As a present participle, tattooing can describe an action in progress, as in “she has been tattooing for years,” and can also name a broader cultural or artistic practice. Tattooing has a wide range of meanings across cultures, including decoration, identity, affiliation, commemoration, belief, and personal expression. It is also discussed in connection with safety, consent, permanence, and the work of professional tattoo artists. The word has an unusual history: English borrowed “tattoo” from the Polynesian language Tahitian during the era of European exploration in the Pacific. The resulting gerund, tattooing, remains a useful word because it names both a physical procedure and a recognizable form of visual and cultural expression.
The act, process, or art of making permanent designs on the skin by inserting pigment beneath its surface.
"Tattooing can be a highly individual form of artistic expression."
Normally used as a mass noun. Individual designs are called tattoos; the plural tattooings is uncommon.
The present participle of tattoo, indicating the action of making permanent designs on the skin or the practice of doing so.
"The artist specializes in tattooing nautical imagery."
Can function as a present participle or gerund in both ongoing-action and activity-noun constructions.
This plural is possible but uncommon because tattooing is normally treated as a mass noun. Use “tattoos” for individual designs.
"The gallery documented several early tattooings created by sailors and merchants."
The English word “tattoo” comes from Tahitian tatau, a striking reminder that the terminology of tattooing came from Polynesian languages.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does tattooing come from?
The English word “tattoo” was borrowed in the 18th century from Polynesian languages, especially Tahitian tatau, a term associated with marking the body. The form “tattooing” was formed by adding the English suffix -ing to create a gerund and present participle. Derivatives such as “tattooist” and “tattooer” continued the same lexical root, while the source term tatau survives in several Polynesian languages.
Related word forms
How tattooing is actually used
As a noun, tattooing is normally a mass noun referring to an activity, process, or art form. “Tattooings” is possible but uncommon; “tattoos” is normally used for individual designs. As a present participle, tattooing can show ongoing action or function as a gerund, as in “tattooing requires planning and care.”