With its prefix in-, meaning "in" or "on", it's not surprising that an inscription is either written on or engraved into a surface. Inscriptions in the ancient world were always chiseled into stone, as inscriptions still may be today. The principal monument of the Vietnam memorial in Washington, D.C., for instance, is a black wall on which are inscribed the names of all the Americans who died during the war—each name in full, row upon seemingly endless row. But an inscription may also be a dedication, such as the words "For my wife" all by themselves on a page near the beginning of a book.
Example Sentences
The painting had an inscription that read, “To my loving wife.” the inscription on a stone monument
Recent Examples on the WebThe stone bore a Khmer epigraphic inscription that included the date for the Khmer year 605, reckoned within the Hindu Saka system, a historical calendar based on the rule of the Indian emperor Shalivahana.Scientific American, 28 July 2022 Maybe her younger eyes could read the third inscription.CBS News, 20 Aug. 2022 When the next excavation season begins in October, archaeologists also hope to find an inscription dedicated to Andrew, since the church would likely have been dedicated to both men, reports Haaretz’s Ruth Schuster. Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 19 Aug. 2022 After a round of anonymous voting, Hannah won the competition and a copy of one of Wilder’s books, which included an inscription from her teacher. Hannah Kaufmann, oregonlive, 7 Aug. 2022 Hopefully this inscription foreshadows more insight into the Force later this season. Josh St. Clair, Men's Health, 1 June 2022 In 1883 the renowned German Indologist and philologist, Eugen Julius Theodor Hultzsch copied and translated the inscription into English, dating the text to the year C.E. 876.Scientific American, 28 July 2022 Based on the writing style, researchers say the inscription dates back to the 13th century. Jordyn Haime, Sun Sentinel, 26 July 2022 In addition to the mosaic, the floor also revealed a Hebrew inscription inside a wreath, along with images of four animals eating grapes. Lucia Cheng, Smithsonian Magazine, 14 July 2022 See More
Word History
Etymology
Middle English inscripcioun, from Latin inscription-, inscriptio, from inscribere