Pen

/pɛn/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A writing instrument used to apply ink to a surface.

I need a pen to sign this document.

A small, enclosed area for animals, especially livestock.

The farmer put the sheep in the pen for the night.

A virtual space where one can write or create, often used in digital contexts.

I opened a new pen in the app to jot down my thoughts.

verb

To compose or create written or drawn material.

She plans to pen a novel about her travels.

To confine or enclose something.

They had to pen the loose dog until its owner arrived.

Middle English 'penne', from Latin 'penna' meaning 'feather'.

the pen is mightier than the sword

Ideas and words are more powerful than violence.

pen pal

A friend with whom one corresponds by writing letters.

pen in

To write something down or schedule it.

pen for

To confine or restrict in a place.

ink

A liquid used for writing or printing.

notebook

A book of blank pages for writing in.

calligraphy

The art of beautiful handwriting.

journaling

The practice of writing down personal experiences or thoughts.

To pen something means to write it down.

I'll just pen a quick note.

In some contexts, 'pen' refers to a prison cell.

He spent a few months in the pen.