Meaning & Definition of word "Pencil"

Pencil

/ˈpɛnsl/

noun:

  • 1. A writing instrument composed of a thin stick of graphite or a similar substance, enclosed in a wooden or plastic casing.
    • Example: She wrote her notes in a pencil to avoid making permanent mistakes.
  • 2. A similar instrument used for drawing, usually with varied types of lead or materials.
    • Example: The artist picked up a pencil to sketch a new design.
  • 3. A particular size or style of pencil.
    • Example: He prefers using a 2B pencil for shading in his drawings.

verb:

  • 1. To write or draw with a pencil.
    • Example: Please pencil in your name on the sign-up sheet.
  • 2. To make a tentative appointment or plan.
    • Example: Let's pencil in a meeting for next week and confirm it later.

Etymology

From Middle English 'pensel', from Old French 'pincel', from Latin 'penicillus', meaning 'little tail'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

pencil it in:

To make a preliminary appointment or note that may change.

in pencil:

Written lightly, able to be erased.

pencil drawn:

Created or depicted using just a pencil, often referring to sketches.

Related Words

eraser:

A tool used to remove pencil marks.

sketch:

A quickly drawn representation using pencils.

graphite:

The material commonly used as the core of pencils.

Slang Meanings of pencil

Meaning: Pencil pushers

Example Sentence: That meeting is full of pencil pushers who love to overanalyze everything.

Meaning: Pencil it in

Example Sentence: I'll pencil it in for now, but let's see if we can confirm later.