Etymology
Origin of penciling
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.
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
Though this list isn’t exhaustive by any means, and not all dates have been announced, there’s plenty to start penciling into your calendar.
From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 2, 2026
Economists remain divided on the BOK’s policy path, with some still penciling in a rate cut in the first quarter of 2026 and others maintaining that the current easing cycle may have already ended.
From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 27, 2025
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
“Mom, double Is in Halloween,” Lori said, erasing Mom’s writing and penciling in the changes.
From "The Glass Castle" by Jeannette Walls
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Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.