Pencil: meaning, definitions and examples

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pencil

[ ˈpɛnsəl ]

^{Context #1}

writing instrument

A pencil is a writing instrument with a thin cylindrical graphite core encased in a wooden or plastic barrel. It is used for writing, drawing, or sketching.

Synonyms

graphite pencil, lead pencil, writing implement

Examples of usage

I always carry a pencil in my bag for taking notes.
She used a pencil to draw a beautiful portrait.
He wrote his name with a pencil on the paper.

^{Context #2}

scoring device

In sports, a pencil is a term used to refer to a narrow lead in a competition or game.

Synonyms

advantage, lead

Examples of usage

The team has a pencil in the final minutes of the match.
After a strong start, they held onto a pencil throughout the game.

^{Context #3}

make preliminary sketches

To pencil is to make preliminary sketches or plans before finalizing a design or project.

Synonyms

outline, sketch

Examples of usage

She penciled out the initial concept for the new building.
They are penciling in the details for the upcoming event.

Translations

Translations of the word "pencil" in other languages:

🇵🇹 lápis

🇮🇳 पेंसिल

🇩🇪 Bleistift

🇮🇩 pensil

🇺🇦 олівець

🇵🇱 ołówek

🇯🇵 鉛筆 (えんぴつ)

🇫🇷 crayon

🇪🇸 lápiz

🇹🇷 kurşun kalem

🇰🇷 연필

🇸🇦 قلم رصاص

🇨🇿 tužka

🇸🇰 ceruzka

🇨🇳 铅笔 (qiānbǐ)

🇸🇮 svinčnik

🇮🇸 blýantur

🇰🇿 қарындаш

🇬🇪 ფანქარი

🇦🇿 karandaş

🇲🇽 lápiz

Word origin

The word 'pencil' originates from the Latin word 'penicillus', which means 'little tail'. The modern pencil as we know it today was invented in the 16th century, with the combination of graphite and wood to create a writing instrument. Over the years, pencils have evolved in design and material, becoming a staple tool for writing and drawing.