pencil

American  

[pen-suhl] / ˈpɛn səl /

noun

1. a slender tube of wood, metal, plastic, etc., containing a core or strip of graphite, a solid coloring material, or the like, used for writing or drawing.

2. a stick of cosmetic coloring material for use on the eyebrows, eyelids, etc.

3. anything shaped or used like a pencil, as a stick of medicated material.

   a styptic pencil.

4. a narrow set of lines, light rays, or the like, diverging from or converging to a point.

   a pencil of sunlight.

5. a slender, pointed piece of a substance used for marking.

6. style or skill in drawing or delineation.

   He favored the late products of the artist's pencil.

7. Mathematics. the collection of lines, planes, or surfaces passing through a given point or set of points and satisfying a given equation or condition.

8. Archaic. an artist's paintbrush, especially for fine work.

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verb (used with object)

penciled, penciling, pencilled, pencilling

1. to write, draw, mark, or color with, or as if with, a pencil.

2. to use a pencil on.

verb phrase

1. pencil in to schedule or list tentatively, as or as if by writing down in pencil rather than in ink.

   I'll pencil you in for ten o'clock.

pencil British  

/ ˈpɛnsəl /

noun

1. 1. a thin cylindrical instrument used for writing, drawing, etc, consisting of a rod of graphite or other marking substance, usually either encased in wood and sharpened or held in a mechanical metal device

   2. ( as modifier )

      a pencil drawing

2. something similar in shape or function

   a styptic pencil

   an eyebrow pencil

3. a narrow set of lines or rays, such as light rays, diverging from or converging to a point

4. archaic an artist's fine paintbrush

5. rare an artist's individual style or technique in drawing

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verb

1. to draw, colour, or write with a pencil

2. to mark with a pencil

3. to note, arrange, include, etc provisionally or tentatively

pencil Idioms  

1. see put lead in one's pencil.

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Other Word Forms

• penciler noun
• penciller noun
• pencillike adjective
• unpenciled adjective
• unpencilled adjective

Etymology

Origin of pencil

1350–1400; Middle English pencel < Middle French pincel ≪ Latin pēnicillus painter's brush or pencil, diminutive of pēniculus little tail. See penis, -cule ¹

Example Sentences

She picked up her notebook and pencil—but before she could start to write, the ground began to tremble.

From Literature

“I’m explaining everything from how you throw your trash in the trash can to how you hold your pencil,” Clark said.

From Los Angeles Times

Her forecast pencils in monthly inflation readings consistent with 2% by year’s end.

From The Wall Street Journal

Mass production only pencils out if it massively produces.

From Los Angeles Times

Many economists have penciled in lower inflation in 2026, as indications mount that price pressures are abating.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• address
• compose
• create
• draft
• note
• pen
• print
• record
• rewrite
• scrawl
• scribble
• sign
• tell