inscribe

verb

in·​scribe in-ˈskrīb How to pronounce inscribe (audio)
inscribed; inscribing; inscribes

transitive verb

1
a
: to write, engrave, or print as a lasting record
b
: to enter on a list : enroll
2
a
: to write, engrave, or print characters upon
b
: to autograph or address (a book) as a gift
3
: to dedicate to someone
4
: to draw within a figure so as to touch in as many places as possible
a regular polygon inscribed in a circle
5
British : to register the name of the holder of (a security)
inscriber noun

Examples of inscribe in a Sentence

They inscribed the monument with the soldiers' names. The book was inscribed with the author's signature.
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.
The Memorial Wall is inscribed with the names of Ocoee residents who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving their country. Joe Rassel, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 May 2025 The pope then removes the ring and gives it to the master of ceremonies, who will have the new pope’s name inscribed on it. Christopher Watson, ABC News, 8 May 2025 One chamber had a large offering table made of red granite and inscribed with a list of offerings, archaeologists said. Aspen Pflughoeft, Miami Herald, 18 Apr. 2025 Of those crew members, several inscribed their favorite scriptures on the raw wall and floor before stone or stucco was applied. Brayden Garcia, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for inscribe

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin inscribere, from in- + scribere to write — more at scribe

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of inscribe was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Inscribe.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inscribe. Accessed 20 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

inscribe

verb
in·​scribe in-ˈskrīb How to pronounce inscribe (audio)
inscribed; inscribing
1
a
: to write, engrave, or print as a lasting record
inscribe a name on a monument
b
: to enter on a list : enroll
2
: to write, engrave, or print something on or in
inscribe a locket
3
: to dedicate to someone
inscribe a poem
4
: to draw within a figure so as to touch in as many places as possible
a hexagon inscribed in a circle
inscriber noun

Legal Definition

inscribe

transitive verb
in·​scribe
inscribed; inscribing
: to set down in writing (as the terms of a mortgage) to create a lasting public record
inscription noun

More from Merriam-Webster on inscribe

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