inkwell

noun

ink·​well ˈiŋk-ˌwel How to pronounce inkwell (audio)
: a container (as in a desk) for ink

Examples of inkwell in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In first grade, when a teacher called him a hick, Ciotti threw an inkwell at her. — D. T. Max, The New Yorker, 23 Sep. 2024 O’Farrell creeps into this gloomy realm of intrigue with an inkwell full of blood and a stiletto for her pen. — Ron Charles, Washington Post, 30 Aug. 2022 Thomas Hobbes' walking stick contained an inkwell for spontaneous note taking. — David G. Allan, CNN, 9 Aug. 2022 There is a desk with an Arts and Crafts-era bronze envelope holder and inkwell, and a desk lamp from Bode Aujla’s home. — Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 19 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for inkwell

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1875, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of inkwell was circa 1875

Rhymes for inkwell

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Browse Nearby Words

inkweed
inkwell
inkwood
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Cite this Entry

“Inkwell.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inkwell. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

inkwell

noun
ink·​well ˈiŋ-ˌkwel How to pronounce inkwell (audio)
: a container for ink

More from Merriam-Webster on inkwell

Nglish: Translation of inkwell for Spanish Speakers

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