Real Dictionary

tattoo
countable noun: A tattoo is a design that is drawn on someone's skin using needles to make little holes and filling them with coloured dye.
verb: If someone tattoos you, they give you a tattoo.

tattoo in American English 1
a tattooed mark or design
to puncture (the skin) with a needle and insert indelible colors so as to leave permanent marks or designs
noun: a signal on a drum, bugle, or trumpet at night, for soldiers or sailors to go to their quarters

tattoo in American English 2
a signal on a drum or bugle, summoning military personnel to their quarters at night
to beat or tap on (a drum or other surface)
noun: the act or practice of marking the skin with indelible patterns, pictures, legends, etc., by making punctures in it and inserting pigments
transitive verb: to mark (the skin) with tattoos

tattoo in British English 1
noun: (formerly) a signal by drum or bugle ordering the military to return to their quarters

tattoo in British English 2
noun: a design made by this process
verb: to make (pictures or designs) on (the skin) by pricking and staining with indelible colours