inscribe

verb

in·​scribe in-ˈskrīb How to pronounce inscribe (audio)
inscribed; inscribing; inscribes

transitive verb

1
a
: to write, engrave, or print as a lasting record
b
: to enter on a list : enroll
2
a
: to write, engrave, or print characters upon
b
: to autograph or address (a book) as a gift
3
: to dedicate to someone
4
: to draw within a figure so as to touch in as many places as possible
a regular polygon inscribed in a circle
5
British : to register the name of the holder of (a security)
inscriber noun

Examples of inscribe in a Sentence

They inscribed the monument with the soldiers' names. The book was inscribed with the author's signature.
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 anonymity of Doré and Pisan’s image enables more fluid possibilities for the viewer to inscribe their own meaning onto the prisoners. Sarah C. Schaefer, Artforum, 1 Mar. 2025 Photo : Rolls-Royce The Silver Ghost inscribed Rolls-Royce’s reputation into the history books. Raphael Orlove, Robb Report, 27 Feb. 2025 The artwork features a typographic sculpture adorned with over 1,000 origami flowers inscribed with messages of peace. Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Feb. 2025 In the tomb, researchers sifted through tons of broken limestone and found fragments of alabaster jars, which were inscribed with the names of Thutmose II and Hatshepsut. Erin Clack, People.com, 22 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for inscribe

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin inscribere, from in- + scribere to write — more at scribe

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of inscribe was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Inscribe.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inscribe. Accessed 9 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

inscribe

verb
in·​scribe in-ˈskrīb How to pronounce inscribe (audio)
inscribed; inscribing
1
a
: to write, engrave, or print as a lasting record
inscribe a name on a monument
b
: to enter on a list : enroll
2
: to write, engrave, or print something on or in
inscribe a locket
3
: to dedicate to someone
inscribe a poem
4
: to draw within a figure so as to touch in as many places as possible
a hexagon inscribed in a circle
inscriber noun

Legal Definition

inscribe

transitive verb
in·​scribe
inscribed; inscribing
: to set down in writing (as the terms of a mortgage) to create a lasting public record
inscription noun

More from Merriam-Webster on inscribe

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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