Definition

Noun 1. Words or letters carved, engraved, or written on a hard, durable surface: An inscription is a piece of text, often a name, date, or short message, that is permanently marked onto an object like a monument, coin, stone, or piece of jewelry. 2. A short dedicatory message in a book, photograph, or musical work: An inscription is a brief, personal note written by the giver to dedicate the item to a specific person. 3. The act or process of inscribing: Inscription refers to the activity of carving, engraving, or writing letters or words onto a surface.

Usage and Examples

• The ancient inscription on the stone tablet was difficult to decipher.
• She wrote a heartfelt inscription inside the cover of the book she gave to her friend.
• The inscription on the wedding ring read, "Forever and Always."
• The study of inscription is an important part of archaeology.

Advanced Usage

• Epigraphic inscription: A formal term often used in archaeology and history for inscriptions, especially ancient ones studied as historical documents.
  • The epigraphic inscriptions provided key evidence about the lost civilization.
• Dedicatory inscription: Specifically highlights the dedicatory nature of the text.
  • The dedicatory inscription on the statue honored the city's founder.

Variants and Related Words

• Inscribe (verb): To write, carve, or engrave words or symbols onto a surface.
  • They will inscribe the winners' names on the trophy.
• Inscriptional (adjective): Relating to or characteristic of an inscription.
  • The inscriptional style helped date the artifact.

Synonyms

• Engraving: A design or text cut into a hard surface.
• Epitaph: An inscription on a tombstone or monument in memory of the person buried there.
• Dedication: Words written in a book, etc., dedicating it to someone.
• Legend: An inscription on a coin or medal.

Related Phrases and Idioms

• To bear an inscription: To have an inscription on it.
  • The old watch bore a faded inscription on the back.

Noun

1. the activity of inscribing (especially carving or engraving) letters or words
2. a short message (as in a book or musical work or on a photograph) dedicating it to someone or something
3. letters inscribed (especially words engraved or carved) on something