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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The encounters were formalized in parchment contracts complete with looping script written in india ink. Kent Russell, Harper’s Magazine , 25 May 2022

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 24 Nov. 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

More from Merriam-Webster on india ink

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!