Tattoo
Pronunciation
- IPA: /tæˈtu(Ë)/, tʰæˈtÊ°uÌŸ(Ë)
Origin 1
From Samoan tatau ("to tap").
Noun
tattoo
(plural tattoos)- An image made in the skin with ink and a needle.
- A method of decorating the skin by inserting colored substances under the surface. The skin is punctured with a sharp instrument, which now is usually a solenoid-driven needle, that carries the inks to lower layers of the skin.
Full definition of tattoo
Verb
- To apply a tattoo to (someone or something).
- (baseball) 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.
Derived terms
Origin 2
From Dutch taptoe.
Noun
tattoo
(plural tattoos)- (nautical) A signal played five minutes before taps (lights out).
- A signal by drum or bugle ordering soldiers to return to their quarters.
- A military display or pageant.
Origin 3
From Hindi tattū.