india ink

noun

often capitalized 1st I
1
: a solid black pigment (such as specially prepared lampblack) used in drawing and lettering
2
: a fluid ink consisting usually of a fine suspension of india ink in a liquid

Examples of india ink in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The encounters were formalized in parchment contracts complete with looping script written in india ink. Kent Russell, Harper’s Magazine , 25 May 2022

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'india ink.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1665, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of india ink was in 1665

Dictionary Entries Near india ink

Cite this Entry

“India ink.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/india%20ink. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

india ink

noun
in·​dia ink
ˌin-dē-ə-
often capitalized 1st I
1
: a black pigment (as lampblack) used in drawing and lettering
2
: a fluid made from india ink

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