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

“As of now, the government has not received any reports indicating that immediate supply issues are expected for printing ink or naphtha,” Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Kei Sato said Tuesday at a news conference.

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