Tattoo

Pronunciation

• IPA: /tæˈtu(ː)/, tʰæˈtÊ°uÌŸ(ː)

From Samoan tatau ("to tap").

Noun

1. An image made in the skin with ink and a needle.
2. 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

1. To apply a tattoo to (someone or something).
2. (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

From Dutch taptoe.

Noun

1. (nautical) A signal played five minutes before taps (lights out).
2. A signal by drum or bugle ordering soldiers to return to their quarters.
3. A military display or pageant.

From Hindi tattū.

Noun

1. A breed of pony from India; a pony of that breed.