inscribe

verb

in·​scribe in-ˈskrīb 

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

Synonyms

• engrave
• etch
• grave
• incise
• insculp [archaic]

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

The Ten Commandments inscribed on the wall of Christ Church in Alexandria are not the same as the ones written in the Old Testament, sometimes called the Hebrew Bible. —Washington Post, 27 June 2024

In what should be Charlie’s bedroom, Jason A finds a monument to his great achievements as a physicist, including a Pavia Prize inscribed with his name. —Chris Klimek, Vulture, 8 May 2024

The album’s title is inscribed on the cover art with alternating vibrant colors, with the hues and scribble of his alter ego’s name similar to that on The Slim Shady LP cover. —Michael Saponara, Billboard, 9 July 2024

He’s done with inscribing for the day and quickly escapes the blast suit. —Jonathan Edwards, Washington Post, 4 July 2024

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

Kids Definition

inscribe

verb

in·​scribe in-ˈskrīb 

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