# ink

> English word · Noun · IPA /ˈɪŋk/ · frequency rank #6,368

## Definitions
1. A pigment (or dye)-based fluid used for writing, printing etc.
2. A particular type, color or container of this fluid.
3. The black or dark-colored fluid ejected by squid, octopus etc, as a protective strategy.
4. Publicity.
5. Tattoo work.
6. Cheap red wine.

## Etymology
From Middle English ynke, from Old French enque, from Latin encaustum (“purple ink used by Roman emperors to sign documents”), from Ancient Greek ἔγκαυστον (énkauston, “burned-in”), from ἐν (en, “in”) + καίω (kaíō, “burn”). In this sense, displaced native Old English blæc (“ink”, literally “black”).

## Easily confused with
- **is** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/ink-vs-is)
- **it** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/ink-vs-it)
- **IV** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/ink-vs-iv)
- **IP** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/ink-vs-ip)
- **IQ** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/ink-vs-iq)
- **io** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/ink-vs-io)
- **iz** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/ink-vs-iz)
- **its** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/ink-vs-its)
- **ion** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/ink-vs-ion)
- **iOS** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/ink-vs-ios)
- **inn** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/ink-vs-inn)
- **ins** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/ink-vs-ins)
- **IRS** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/ink-vs-irs)
- **IRA** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/ink-vs-ira)
- **ivy** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/ink-vs-ivy)
- **int** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/ink-vs-int)
- **iso** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/ink-vs-iso)
- **ISA** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/ink-vs-isa)
- **ISS** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/ink-vs-iss)
- **IRL** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/ink-vs-irl)

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/ink