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.
The spike in global energy prices hasn’t deterred Wall Street analysts from penciling in increasingly higher estimates for corporate profits in 2026.
From MarketWatch • May 4, 2026
“We’re not penciling in a recession or anything like that.”
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 14, 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
“Mom, double Is in Halloween,” Lori said, erasing Mom’s writing and penciling in the changes.
From "The Glass Castle" by Jeannette Walls
![]()
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.