Pencil
/ˈpɛnsəl/
Definitions
2 meaningsA tool used for writing or drawing, typically made of graphite and enclosed in wood or metal.
/ˈpɛnsəl/
A writing or drawing instrument consisting of a thin stick of graphite or a similar substance encased in a wooden or metal cylinder.
I need a pencil to write my notes.
💡 Simply: It's like a stick of gray stuff inside a wooden tube that you use to write or draw. Imagine you're drawing a cool picture and need something to make the lines!
👶 For kids: A pencil is something you use to write or draw with. It has a black thing inside that makes marks on paper!
More Examples
She sharpened her pencil before starting the test.
The artist used a pencil to sketch the outline.
How It's Used
"Students are required to bring their own pencils to class."
"The artist used a soft pencil to create shading in the drawing."
To write or sketch something with a pencil; to note tentatively.
/ˈpɛnsəl/
To write or draw something with a pencil.
She penciled in the appointment in her calendar.
💡 Simply: To use a pencil to write or draw something, or to schedule something tentatively, like when you write down an appointment in your calendar and it might change.
👶 For kids: To use your pencil to make marks on paper!
More Examples
He penciled a quick sketch of the landscape.
I'll pencil in the meeting for now, but it might change.
How It's Used
"He penciled a rough draft of the novel."
"I will pencil in the meeting for next week"
Idioms & expressions
pencil in
To tentatively schedule something.
"I'll pencil in the meeting for Tuesday, but I might have to change it."
From Old French *pincel* (small brush, artist's brush), from Latin *penicillus* (a small brush or painter's brush), diminutive of *peniculus* (a brush). The term originally referred to small brushes used for writing or drawing, but evolved to encompass the modern writing instrument.
Pencils, in their early forms, were used by artists and writers to make marks on surfaces. The use of graphite encased in a wooden holder became widespread during the 16th century.
Memory tip
Think of the letters you write with a pencil - PENCIL.