tattoo

Etymology

Definitions

1. 1

   An image made on a body part, usually the skin with ink and a needle.

   • His shirt sleeves were turned up, so upon his brawny arms his tattooes were visible.
2. 2

   A method of decorating a body part, usually the skin, by inserting colored substances…

   A method of decorating a body part, usually the skin, by inserting colored substances under the surface with a sharp instrument (usually a solenoid-driven needle).

3. 3

   To apply a tattoo to (someone or something).

   • She made Silas tattoo an anchor on her arm like his
4. ›+ 7 more definitionsshow fewer

   1. 4

      To hit the ball hard, as if to figuratively leave a tattoo on the ball.

      • Jones tattoos one into the gap in left; that will clear the bases.
   2. 5

      A signal played five minutes before taps (lights out).

      • Study goes on until tattoo, which, when Pops was at the Point, was sounded at 9.30, followed by taps at 10.
   3. 6

      A signal by drum or bugle ordering soldiers to return to their quarters.

      • The bumblebee's mane glowed in the morning light—each hair sharp and distinct to Eragon—and its blurred wings generated a gentle bombilation, like a tattoo played on a drum.
   4. 7

      A military display or pageant.

   5. 8

      A rhythmic tapping.

      • the right hand became restless and began to beat out a silent tattoo upon the tabletop
   6. 9

      To tap rhythmically on, to drum.

   7. 10

      A pony of a certain breed from India.

The neighborhood

• neighborevening gun