Definition

1. Noun:

   • A permanent design on the skin: An image or pattern created by inserting ink into the skin's dermis layer.
   • The process of creating such a design: The act or practice of marking the skin with indelible designs.
   • A military signal: A rhythmic drumming or bugle call, historically used to signal soldiers to return to their quarters for the evening.

2. Verb:

   • To mark the skin with a permanent design: To apply a tattoo to a person's skin.

Examples of Usage

• Noun (Body Art):
  • She has a beautiful tattoo of a phoenix on her shoulder.
  • Getting a tattoo requires careful consideration.
• Noun (Military Signal):
  • The evening tattoo sounded, calling the soldiers back to the barracks.
• Verb:
  • He decided to tattoo his late father's signature on his wrist.

Advanced Usage

• "To beat a tattoo": To tap or drum rapidly and rhythmically with the fingers or hands.
  • He was nervous, beating a tattoo on the table with his fingers.
• "Military tattoo": A ceremonial performance of music and marching by military personnel, often at night. (This is a distinct, related compound term).
  • We attended the famous Edinburgh Military Tattoo.

Variants and Related Words

• Tattooed (adj): Having tattoos.
  • The tattooed artist shared the stories behind his ink.
• Tattooist / Tattoo artist (n): A person whose profession is applying tattoos.
• Tattooing (n): The action or practice of giving tattoos.

Synonyms

• Noun (Design): Ink, body art.
• Verb: Emblazon, imprint (on skin).
• Noun (Drumming): Drumbeat, rat-a-tat.

Related Phrases (Phrasal Verbs)

• None commonly associated with the verb 'tattoo' itself.

Related Idioms

• "Wear one's heart on one's sleeve": While not containing the word "tattoo," this idiom shares a conceptual link of making inner feelings permanently or visibly known, much like a tattoo.
• "Beat the devil's tattoo": To drum fingers impatiently or nervously. (This is an idiom using the word 'tattoo' in its drumming sense).
  • Waiting for the news, he beat the devil's tattoo on the arm of his chair.

Noun

1. the practice of making a design on the skin by pricking and staining
2. a design on the skin made by tattooing
3. a drumbeat or bugle call that signals the military to return to their quarters

Verb

1. stain (skin) with indelible color