inscribe - Definition & Meaning

scribe

Third Person

inscribes

Present Participle

inscribing

Past Tense

inscribed

Past Participle

inscribed

to mark or engrave a surface with a design or pattern, typically to create a lasting impression or decoration

transitive

Next week, the jeweler will inscribe the couple's wedding rings with their initials and wedding date.
The historical monument was inscribed with the names of those who contributed to its construction.
The ancient tablet was inscribed with mysterious symbols that scholars are still trying to decipher.
Families sometimes inscribe their loved ones' gravestones with heartfelt messages or significant quotes.
As a tradition, graduates often inscribe their yearbooks with fond memories and best wishes for the future.

Synonyms:

to write or sign a personalized message or dedication, often signed, inside a book or another item intended as a gift to someone

transitive

Before presenting the album to her parents, she inscribed a heartfelt message on the CD sleeve.
Before giving the cookbook to her mother, she inscribed a warm message on the inside cover.
The artist inscribed a special message on the back of the painting she was presenting to her mentor.
The teacher inscribed a message of encouragement in the yearbook she was presenting to her students.
She inscribed a heartfelt message in the novel she was presenting as a birthday gift to her best friend.

Synonyms:

to write a brief dedication or message in a book, song lyrics, etc.

transitive

The author inscribed her latest novel with a heartfelt message to her loyal readers.
The songwriter inscribed the CD cover with a brief dedication to his family and friends who inspired his music journey.
The poet inscribed his collection of poems with a poignant dedication to his muse.
The playwright inscribed the script of his latest play with a dedication to the theater troupe.
The filmmaker inscribed the DVD box set with a special dedication to the cast and crew who contributed to the project.

to draw one figure within another in such a way that the boundaries of the inner figure touch those of the outer figure but do not cross them

transitive

In geometry class, students learned how to inscribe a circle within a square.
The sculptor planned to inscribe a smaller triangle within the larger one.
The ancient Greeks often inscribed equilateral triangles within circles as symbols of perfection and harmony.
The mathematician demonstrated how to inscribe a regular hexagon within a circle using a compass and straightedge.
The engineer calculated the dimensions needed to inscribe a pentagon in a hexagon.

to record or register the name of an individual onto a list, document, or book

transitive

Voters were required to inscribe their names on the voting list before casting their ballots.
Athletes must inscribe their names on the competition roster to officially enter the race.
Employees are requested to inscribe their names on the overtime sign-up sheet if they wish to work additional hours.
In order to reserve a spot, patrons must inscribe their names on the waiting list for the popular restaurant.
To participate in the workshop, participants need to inscribe their names on the online registration form.

Synonyms: