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’re not penciling in a recession or anything like that.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 14, 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

Fed policymakers had previously indicated in their September Summary of Economic Projections that they were penciling in rate cuts at both the October and December meetings.

From Barron's • Oct. 29, 2025

In the meantime, below are 10 essential Latino performances we’ll be penciling into our schedule, listed in chronological order.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 7, 2025

“This is almost too easy,” Shay said, penciling a pair of fat, black eyebrows over her own.

From "Uglies" by Scott Westerfeld