stencil

[sten-suhl]

noun

1. a device for applying a pattern, design, words, etc., to a surface, consisting of a thin sheet of cardboard, metal, or other material from which figures or letters have been cut out, a coloring substance, ink, etc., being rubbed, brushed, or pressed over the sheet, passing through the perforations and onto the surface.

2. the letters, designs, etc., produced on a surface by this method.

verb (used with object)

stenciled, stenciling , stencilled, stencilling .

1. to mark or paint (a surface) by means of a stencil.

2. to produce (letters, figures, designs, etc.) by means of a stencil.

stencil

/ ˈstɛnsəl /

noun

1. a device for applying a design, characters, etc, to a surface, consisting of a thin sheet of plastic, metal, cardboard, etc in which the design or characters have been cut so that ink or paint can be applied through the incisions onto the surface

2. a decoration, design, or characters produced in this way

verb

1. to mark (a surface) with a stencil

2. to produce (characters or a design) with a stencil

Other Word Forms

• stenciler noun
• stenciller noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of stencil¹

1375–1425; earlier stanesile, late Middle English stansele to ornament with diverse colors or spangles < Middle French estanceler, derivative of estencele a spark, ornamental spangle < Vulgar Latin *stincilla, metathetic variant of Latin scintilla scintilla

Word History and Origins

Origin of stencil¹

C14 stanselen to decorate with bright colours, from Old French estenceler, from estencele a spark, from Latin scintilla

Example Sentences

Banksy's stencilled graffiti is often critical of government policy, war and capitalism.

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A few gorgeous floral stencils, small sculptures and a stained glass window remain from Lloyd’s work in the auditorium of the former South Pasadena elementary school, which closed to students in 1979.

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The group purchased the stencils that were used at Stoner Park and served as inspiration for Hale, but were not involved in his efforts in Sawtelle.

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By analysing the marks in the woman's skin, the team believe that the tattoos were probably stencilled onto the skin before being tattooed.

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"He did the stencil and I approved, I think I became blind to it because I had seen the word many times."

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Related Words

• arrangement