penciling

American  

[pen-suh-ling] / ˈpɛn sə lɪŋ /

noun

1. work or markings done with or as if with a pencil or brush, especially fine or delicate work done with a pencil or brush on a painting or drawing.

2. a drawing or sketch made with a pencil.

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Etymology

Origin of penciling

First recorded in 1700–10; pencil + -ing ¹

Example Sentences

“We’ll see how it ends up penciling out in the end once we start to see some real results,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 2, 2026

Eurozone GDP expanded just 0.1% in the first quarter of this year, with some economists penciling in a contraction in the April-June period.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 29, 2026

Wall Street analysts are already penciling in strong earnings growth — not just for large-cap companies, but for small-cap firms as well, FactSet data showed.

From MarketWatch • Jan. 9, 2026

The economic outlook has shifted considerably from earlier this year, with economists penciling in more growth and less inflation than previously expected.

From Barron's • Oct. 13, 2025

“All right,” says the president, penciling in Annie’s name.

From "Mockingjay" by Suzanne Collins