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

Soy-based printing ink was developed in Britain to add flavor to the fish and chips served in newspaper cones.

From Washington Post • Feb. 22, 2018

A more common method was to print broadly with three tints of printing ink, and afterwards to complete the colouring by hand with water-colours.

From Old Coloured Books by Paston, George