red ink

noun

1
: a business loss : deficit
2
: the condition of showing a business loss

Examples of red ink in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
During lockdown, Gregg would scribble workout plans for Sebastian in red ink on lined paper. Henry Bushnell, New York Times, 9 June 2026 If the property tax Amendment 3 passes, a tsunami of red ink and unavoidable state belt-tightening will come just as every county and city are also starved of revenue. Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 6 June 2026 And despite the sea of red ink, Honda’s stock has actually risen substantially over the past few days. New Atlas, 18 May 2026 Finance projections at Houston City Hall show steps city officials took to close a budget deficit in the proposal Mayor John Whitmire announced Tuesday would significantly reduce future red ink. Abby Church, Houston Chronicle, 6 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for red ink

Word History

Etymology

from the use of red ink in financial statements to indicate a loss

First Known Use

1926, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of red ink was in 1926

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Red ink.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/red%20ink. Accessed 17 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

red ink

noun
1
: a business loss
2
: the condition of showing a business loss
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster