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penman

American  
[pen-muhn] / ˈpɛn mən /

noun

  • penmen
    plural
  1. a person who writes or copies; scribe; copyist.

  2. an expert in penmanship.

  3. a writer or author.


penman British  
/ ˈpɛnmən /

noun

  1. a person skilled in handwriting

  2. a person who writes by hand in a specified way

    a bad penman

  3. an author

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

Etymology

Origin of penman

First recorded in 1585–95; pen 1 + -man

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

As director of speechwriting in Barack Obama's second term, he was the principal penman behind four State of the Unions.

From BBC Feb. 3, 2023

Interviews with the likes of DJ Greg Mack, rapper Cold 187um and master penman D.O.C. power the narrative, offering insights into the group’s competitive edge and eventually how everything fell apart.

From Los Angeles Times Dec. 8, 2017

But in penman Robert Hurford’s hands, H explodes like a Roman candle in ink.

From Washington Times Aug. 5, 2017

We're pleased to have him there because John Green is the ultimate penman writing for our generation.

From The Guardian Feb. 27, 2013

She even gave the penman, who set up temporary shop outside headquarters, a dime to make a card for her.

From "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn" by Betty Smith

The organization has grown from 170 penmen and women in 2000 to 1,400 today, with members in 18 countries.

From Washington Times Aug. 5, 2017

The question prompted a wave of heartfelt testimonies from fanatical fountain penmen.

From BBC May 22, 2012

Quick were Old Gold's silver penmen to start the backfire.

From Time Magazine Archive

Just why Ike has been especially singled out by the poison penmen is a mystery to both his friends and his legitimate political rivals.

From Time Magazine Archive

The workmanship was no less fastidious even at the bottom of the board, near the doorsill, where the two penmen, each in his turn, had obviously lain on their stomachs.

From "Franny and Zooey" by J. D. Salinger

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