French word

encre

Pronunciation

IPA/ɑ̃kʁ/

Meaning

  • feminine nounink

Example

J'ai renversé de l'encre sur ma chemise.

I spilled ink on my shirt.

Illustration for encre (ink)

More examples

La cartouche d'encre est vide.

The ink cartridge is empty.

Core concept

A liquid carried onto paper in a fine path, leaving letters, lines, or printed marks.

Common phrases

  • tache d'encre

    ink stain

  • cartouche d'encre

    ink cartridge

  • encre permanente

    permanent ink

Similar words

tache: A noticeable dirty mark or stain on an object.
stylo: A writing instrument with a point for drawing lines and writing words.
marqueur: A writing instrument for drawing clear, broad lines.

Definition in French

Substance liquide servant à former des lettres ou des dessins sur le papier, employée dans des stylos, des plumes ou des imprimantes.

Word origin

French encre developed through Old French from Latin encaustum, borrowed from Greek enkauston for a substance applied by heat.

Usage tips

  • Encre is feminine, so standard forms include une encre, de l'encre, and cette encre.

Related words

  • encrerinkverb
  • encréink-stainedadjective
  • encrageink applicationnoun

Word lists with this word