printing ink

American  

noun

1. a type of ink that flows smoothly, dries quickly, and is of a consistency able to hold enough color to make printed matter legible: used to transfer the image on a press plate to the printing surface.

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Etymology

Origin of printing ink

First recorded in 1670–80

Example Sentences

Local media said the snack-maker has seen its procurement of printing ink compromised by shortages of naphtha, an oil byproduct used in a wide range of industries.

From Barron's • May 12, 2026

Artience, a Japan-based printing ink manufacturer, said in April it planned to raise prices for its printing ink for plastic and paper products by 20%, citing the naphtha shortage.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 12, 2026

She stenciled on the design, slathering on bright red or white block printing ink with a roller.

From Los Angeles Times • May 18, 2022

It arrived in the post after four days, labelled as "printing ink filler".

From BBC • Oct. 4, 2015

Red printing ink may be made in this way:—Boil linseed oil until smoke is given off.

From Paper and Printing Recipes A Handy Volume of Practical Recipes, Concerning the Every-Day Business of Stationers, Printers, Binders, and the Kindred Trades by Ford, J. Sawtelle