ink

noun

• a coloured fluid or paste used for writing, drawing, printing, or duplicating:the names are written in ink [count noun]:a picture executed in coloured inks
• informal publicity in the written media:the story got lots of ink and plenty of air time
• informal a tattoo or tattoos:I took my shirt off to display my ink
• Zoology a black liquid ejected by a cuttlefish, octopus, or squid to confuse a predator.

verb

• 1 [with object] mark (words or a design) with ink:the cork has the name of the château inked on to the side
• cover (type or a stamp) with ink before printing:a raised image is inked to produce an impression

• 2North American informal sign (a contract):she’s just inked a deal to host her own talk show
• secure the services of (someone) with a contract: he has been inked as host for next year’s ceremony Eddie Hemmings is already inked in