inscribe

/ɪnˈskraɪb/

/ɪnˈskraɪb/

Other forms: inscribed; inscribing; inscribes

To inscribe means to write something in a permanent or formal way. When you have a jeweler inscribe your initials inside your new ring, she uses a machine to carve them into the metal.

A stone carver might inscribe your grandfather's name on a memorial stone, and your best friend might inscribe his name and a favorite quote in the back of your yearbook. In geometry, to inscribe is to fit one shape inside another, like when a triangle fits neatly inside a circle with its points just touching the perimeter. The Latin root of inscribe is inscribere, "to write in or on."

Definitions of inscribe

1. verb

   carve, cut, or etch into a material or surface
   synonyms: engrave, grave, scratch

   engrave, etch

   carve or cut a design or letters into

   types:

   character

   engrave or inscribe characters on

   type of:

   carve, chip at

   engrave or cut by chipping away at a surface
2. verb

   write, engrave, or print as a lasting record
   type of:

   enter, put down, record

   make a record of; set down in permanent form
3. verb

   register formally as a participant or member
   synonyms: enrol, enroll, enter, recruit

   types:

   draft, enlist, muster in

   engage somebody to enter the army

   unionise, unionize

   recruit for a union or organize into a union

   register

   enroll to vote

   matriculate

   enroll as a student

   levy, raise, recruit

   cause to assemble or enlist in the military

   type of:

   register

   record in writing; enter into a book of names or events or transactions
4. verb

   mark with one's signature
   synonyms: autograph

   type of:

   sign

   be engaged by a written agreement
5. verb

   address, (a work of literature) in a style less formal than a dedication
   type of:

   dedicate

   inscribe or address by way of compliment
6. verb

   draw within a figure so as to touch in as many places as possible
   type of:

   delineate, describe, draw, line, trace

   make a mark or lines on a surface
7. verb

   convert ordinary language into code
   synonyms: cipher, code, cypher, encipher, encrypt, write in code

   type of:

   encode

   convert information into code