1 B2 neutral
(Art/drawing) To go over a pencil sketch with ink to create the final lines.
"She penciled in the figures first, then carefully inked them in."
separable
ink in
B2 neutral separable transitive
To write over a pencil sketch or outline in ink; also figuratively to confirm something definitively.
In plain English
To go over a pencil drawing with ink, or to set a plan in stone.
What does "ink in" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic neutral
To confirm or finalize a plan, meeting, or arrangement definitively.
"Let's ink in Thursday for the contract signing — no more changes."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To draw or write over something in ink — quite transparent.
Actually means
To go over a pencil drawing with ink, or to set a plan in stone.
Usage tip
The literal art/drawing sense is used by illustrators and cartoonists. The figurative sense of confirming plans ('ink in a meeting') is common in business contexts, usually contrasted with 'pencil in' for tentative arrangements.
Words that pair with "ink in"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
sketch outline meeting date deal appointment drawing
How to conjugate "ink in"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
ink in
I/you/we/they
3rd person
inks in
he/she/it
Past simple
inked in
yesterday
Past participle
inked in
have + pp
-ing form
inking in
continuous
Hear "ink in" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "ink in" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
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