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Pronunciation

IPA: /pɛnsl/

Etymology

Middle English for a fine paintbrush from Old French pincil (whence the Modern French pinceau = paintbrush), from a diminutive of the Latin peniculus = brush, and in turn diminutive of Latin penis = tail.

Noun

pencil (plural pencils)

1. Writing utensil that uses graphite (commonly referred to as lead). Regular pencils usually have a graphite shaft surrounded by wood. A pencil sharpener is used to cut away the wood and leave a fine tip on the pencil. Also available in a mechanical version where the graphite length can be adjusted and sharpening is not needed.

Translations

Verb

pencil

1. to squeeze something (meeting, feature, appointment, etc.) into a tight schedule

   I am very busy today but I can pencil you in at 3pm.

Words related to pencil

Schwiggle

Translations