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Stencil: meaning, definitions and examples

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stencil

 

[ ˈstɛnsl ]

Noun / Verb
Context #1 | Noun

art technique

A stencil is a thin sheet of material that has been cut to allow a certain shape, pattern, or design to be replicated onto a surface. It is often used in art and craft projects to create uniform designs without freehand drawing. Stencils can be made from various materials including plastic, metal, and paper. They are popular among artists, designers, and hobbyists for creating decorations, signage, and various art forms quickly and accurately.

Synonyms

mask, pattern, template.

Examples of usage

  • She used a stencil to paint flowers on the canvas.
  • The artist creates intricate designs using stencils.
  • He applied a stencil to the wall before adding color.
  • They made stencils for their school project.
Context #2 | Verb

create design

To stencil means to produce a design by applying ink or paint through a cut-out shape onto a surface. This technique allows for repeated applications of the same design, making it efficient for producing multiple copies. Artists and craftsmen often use stenciling for various purposes, including decorating items, creating posters, and designing textiles.

Synonyms

outlining, patterning, trace.

Examples of usage

  • She stenciled the logo onto the t-shirts.
  • They stenciled the letters on the sign.
  • He loves to stencil designs on his notebooks.

Translations

Translations of the word "stencil" in other languages:

🇵🇹 estêncil

🇮🇳 स्टेंसिल

🇩🇪 Schablone

🇮🇩 stensil

🇺🇦 трафарет

🇵🇱 szablon

🇯🇵 ステンシル

🇫🇷 pochoir

🇪🇸 plantilla

🇹🇷 şablon

🇰🇷 스텐실

🇸🇦 قالب

🇨🇿 šablona

🇸🇰 šablóna

🇨🇳 模板

🇸🇮 predloga

🇮🇸 snið

🇰🇿 трафарет

🇬🇪 სტენცილი

🇦🇿 şablon

🇲🇽 plantilla

Etymology

The word 'stencil' has its origins in the early 15th century, derived from the Middle French term 'estencil', which means 'a dye or ink vessel'. This, in turn, comes from the Latin word 'stabilis', meaning 'stable' or 'fixed', referring to the images produced with stencils that maintain a consistent shape. The use of stencils dates back to ancient civilizations, including the Egyptians and Greeks, who used similar methods to create art and decorative patterns. Over time, the application of stencils evolved with the advent of new materials and techniques, becoming particularly prominent in the fields of graphic design and street art in the modern era. Today, stencils are widely used in various artistic and practical applications, ranging from interior design to industrial labeling.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #22,239, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.