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."
separable
ink up
C1 neutral separable transitive
To apply or load ink onto a surface, printing press, stamp, or similar device in preparation for use.
In plain English
To put ink on something so it is ready to print or stamp.
What does "ink up" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 C1 idiomatic informal
(Informal) To get extensively tattooed.
"He spent the whole summer inking up — both arms are covered now."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To fill something up with ink — transparent.
Actually means
To put ink on something so it is ready to print or stamp.
Usage tip
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.
Words that pair with "ink up"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
press roller stamp printer machine needle
How to conjugate "ink up"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
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
Hear "ink up" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "ink up" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.