What does tattooist mean?
A tattooist is someone who applies tattoos to people’s skin, usually working professionally and following a design agreed with the client. The term covers the practical work of tattooing and is often used when discussing an individual practitioner, their studio, or their professional reputation. “Tattooist” is common in British English and is also used in American English, where “tattoo artist” may be heard more often. The word is neutral and factual rather than fashionable or slangy. In conversation, it naturally appears in phrases such as visiting a tattooist, consulting one about a design, or choosing a tattooist known for a particular style. Its vocabulary value lies in clearly identifying the person who performs the tattooing, while the related forms “tattoo,” “tattooed,” and “tattooing” describe the design, the marked skin, and the process itself.
nounA tattooist is a person who applies tattoos to people’s skin, usually as a professional occupation.
- A person who applies tattoos to people’s skin, especially as a professional.
"She went to a highly regarded tattooist for the design on her shoulder."
"The tattooist carefully transferred the design onto the client’s arm."
"She asked the tattooist about aftercare before making her final decision."
The regular plural is formed by adding “-s.”
"Several tattooists work from studios near the city center."
A tattooist creates body art, while the word “tattoo” itself comes from the Tahitian word tatau.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does tattooist come from?
“Tattooist” is an English word formed from “tattoo” and the occupational suffix “-ist.” “Tattoo” entered English in the 18th century from Tahitian tatau, a Polynesian word associated with marking the skin. The English forms “tattooed” and “tattooing” developed from the same English base and preserve the distinction between the result and the process.
Related word forms
How tattooist is actually used
“Tattooist” is well understood in British and American English, although “tattoo artist” is especially common in American usage. It is a straightforward occupational term and is generally neutral in tone.