inky

[ ing-kee ]

adjective

, ink·i·er, ink·i·est.

1. black as ink:

   inky shadows.

2. resembling ink:

   The solution was an inky liquid.

3. stained with ink:

   inky fingers.

4. of or relating to ink.
5. consisting of or containing ink.
6. written with ink.

inky

/ ˈɪŋkɪ /

adjective

1. resembling ink, esp in colour; dark or black
2. of, containing, or stained with ink

   inky fingers

Derived Forms

• ˈinkiness, noun

Other Words From

• inki·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of inky¹

First recorded in 1575–85; ink + -y ¹

Example Sentences

Nine years ago, when an aging oil pipeline ruptured near the coast of Santa Barbara County, an inky darkness spread over the waters.

From Los Angeles Times

Against a dark, inky background, two figures embrace.

From Los Angeles Times

Rubberneckers flocked to the water’s edge with binoculars, trying to count the ships that stretched to the inky horizon.

From New York Times

Water looks crystalline; colors are bright and vivid, while blacks are deep and inky.

From New York Times

The shadow cast by “Breaking Bad” is inky, far-reaching and difficult, but not impossible, to escape.

From Salon