penmanship

American  

[pen-muhn-ship] / ˈpɛn mənˌʃɪp /

noun

1. the art of handwriting; the use of the pen in writing.

2. a person's style or manner of handwriting.

   clear penmanship; poor penmanship.

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penmanship British  

/ ˈpɛnmənʃɪp /

noun

1. Also called: calligraphy.  style or technique of writing by hand

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Etymology

Origin of penmanship

First recorded in 1685–95; penman + -ship

Example Sentences

If interpreting the economy now hinges on fine differences between upper and lowercases, sloppy penmanship could lead to financial ruin.

From Barron's • Dec. 4, 2025

To Evans’s surprise, Patchett wrote back, thanking her for commenting on something that meant a lot to her and praising Evans’s penmanship.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 8, 2025

His collection became a private conceit, scrupulously named and dated in the penmanship of a monk, stored in boxes and metal bins like a man in a film hiding riches in the shadows.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 30, 2023

The court papers also claimed that the amendment was potentially fraudulent, asserting that Lisa Marie’s signature was “inconsistent” with her usual penmanship.

From New York Times • May 16, 2023

Fortunately, Penelope had the same excellent penmanship that every Swanburne girl was expected to learn.

From "The Interrupted Tale" by Maryrose Wood