ink up
C1 neutral separable transitive
In simple words
To put ink on something so it is ready to print or stamp.
Literal meaning: To fill something up with ink — transparent.
Meanings
1 C1 neutral
To apply ink to a printing press, roller, or stamp in preparation for printing.
"The operator inked up the press and ran the first test sheet."
Grammar: separable
2 C1
idiomatic
informal
(Informal) To get extensively tattooed.
"He spent the whole summer inking up — both arms are covered now."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
Mainly used in printing, publishing, and tattooing contexts. In tattooing, 'ink up' can also mean to get tattooed extensively. Relatively specialized and not widely used in everyday speech.
Commonly used with
press roller stamp printer machine needle
Forms
Base
ink up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
inks up
he/she/it
Past simple
inked up
yesterday
Past participle
inked up
have + pp
-ing form
inking up
continuous
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