Pen: meaning, definitions and examples

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pen

[ pen ]

Noun / Verb

Oxford 3000

^{Context #1 | Noun}

writing instrument

A pen is a long, thin object used for writing or drawing, with ink inside it. Pens come in various types, such as ballpoint pens, fountain pens, and gel pens.

Synonyms

marker, stylus, writing implement.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
pen	Use when writing on paper for formal purposes, such as signing documents, writing letters, or taking notes. She used a pen to sign the contract. I always carry a pen for taking notes in meetings.
writing implement	A general term that encompasses any tool used for writing, can include pens, pencils, markers, etc. Use when the specific type of tool is not essential. Please bring any writing implement to the exam. Make sure you have a writing implement before class starts.
marker	Best suited for writing on non-porous surfaces like whiteboards, or for making bold, noticeable marks on paper, often used in presentations or for labeling. The teacher used a marker to write on the whiteboard. He labeled the boxes with a permanent marker.
stylus	Most commonly used for interacting with touchscreens, such as on tablets or smartphones, for drawing or precise clicking. She used a stylus to draw on her tablet. A stylus is handy for navigating small touchscreen buttons.

Examples of usage

I always carry a pen with me in case I need to take notes.
She signed the document with a blue pen.
The teacher asked the students to write the essay in ink using a pen.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

enclosure for animals

In farming, a pen is an enclosed area where animals such as sheep, cows, or pigs are kept. Pens are typically used for feeding, shelter, or separating animals.

Synonyms

corral, enclosure, penning.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
pen	This word already described above.
enclosure	A general term for any type of area that is surrounded by a barrier, used to hold animals or sometimes objects. It's a more formal term. The zoo has a large enclosure for the lions. The engineer designed an enclosure for the new machine.
corral	Used mainly in North American contexts to describe an enclosure for livestock, especially horses or cattle. It can also mean to gather or group people or things together. The cowboys led the horses into the corral. The manager corralled the team for a quick meeting.
penning	Refers to the action of putting animals into a pen. It can also be used metaphorically to describe the act of writing. She spent the morning penning the sheep. He is busy penning an article for the magazine.

Examples of usage

The farmer herded the sheep into the pen for shearing.
The pig pen needed cleaning after a week of use.
The cows were moved from the pasture to the pen for the night.

^{Context #3 | Verb}

to write with a pen

To pen means to write or compose with a pen. It is often used in the context of writing poetry, literature, or other forms of creative expression.

Synonyms

compose, draft, write.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
pen	Used in formal or literary contexts when referring to the act of writing something, often of a creative or official nature. She penned a heartfelt letter to her friend The author penned a bestseller with his latest novel
write	General term for the act of producing writing, applicable in most situations whether formal, informal, creative, or practical. He loves to write stories about his childhood Please write down your thoughts in the journal
compose	Used when talking about creating or arranging written work, music, or art, often implying a structured and thoughtful process. He composed a touching sonnet for his lover The musician spent hours composing a new symphony
draft	Refers to the initial version of a written document that is often preliminary and subject to revisions. Commonly used in professional or academic settings. She completed the first draft of her thesis last night The lawyer sent over a draft of the contract for review

Examples of usage

The poet penned a heartfelt poem for his beloved.
She penned her thoughts in a journal every night.
The author penned a best-selling novel last year.

Translations

Translations of the word "pen" in other languages:

🇵🇹 caneta

🇮🇳 कलम

🇩🇪 Stift

🇮🇩 pena

🇺🇦 ручка

🇵🇱 długopis

🇯🇵 ペン

🇫🇷 stylo

🇪🇸 pluma

🇹🇷 kalem

🇰🇷 펜

🇸🇦 قلم

🇨🇿 pero

🇸🇰 pero

🇨🇳 笔

🇸🇮 pero

🇮🇸 penni

🇰🇿 қалам

🇬🇪 კალამი

🇦🇿 qələm

🇲🇽 pluma

Etymology

The word 'pen' originated from the Latin word 'penna,' which means feather or wing. In ancient times, feathers were used as writing instruments, and the term evolved to refer to the instrument we now know as a pen. Over the centuries, pens have undergone many transformations, from quills and dip pens to modern ballpoint and gel pens. The concept of pens as writing tools has remained constant, symbolizing creativity, communication, and expression.

See also: penal, penance, penholder, penman, penmanship, penning, pennon, pens.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,141, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.

...
4138 hereafter
4139 lung
4140 thesis
4141 pen
4142 disk
4143 capabilities
4144 tin
...