panel
PA-nuhl
Panel (noun) means a flat rectangular section set into a larger surface, such as a wall, door, or fence. Example: “The old door had four carved wooden panels.”
noun
1
A flat rectangular section set into a larger surface, such as a wall, door, or fence.
"The old door had four carved wooden panels."
"The workmen replaced a rotten panel in the garden fence."
"A glass panel in the front door lets light into the hall."
2
A group of people brought together to discuss, judge, or answer questions publicly.
"A panel of judges scored each contestant's routine."
"She was invited onto a panel to discuss climate policy."
"The panel took questions from the audience after the talk."
3
A single framed drawing within a comic strip or graphic novel.
"The final panel revealed the villain's true identity."
"Each panel in the comic shows a different part of the chase."
"He drew the first panel in pencil before adding the ink."
verb
1
To officially add someone to a list of jurors, or to fit a room or surface with panels.
"The lawyers spent the morning panelling potential jurors."
"They plan to panel the hallway in oak to make it feel warmer."
"The court clerk panelled twelve local residents for the trial."
How to use panel
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA flat section of something, or a group of people assembled to judge or discuss.
Common pairings
panel discussion
solar panel
panel of experts
wooden panel
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Word forms
- Plural
- panels
- Third person singular
- panels
- Past tense
- paneled, panelled
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The old door had four carved wooden _____.
Etymology
From Old French panel/panelle ("piece of cloth, cushion"), from Vulgar Latin pannellus, a diminutive of Latin pannus ("cloth"). A doublet of "vane."
Synonyms
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Rhymes for panel
See all rhymes for panel →Frequently asked questions
What does “panel” mean?
The word “panel” means a flat rectangular section set into a larger surface, such as a wall, door, or fence. In plain terms, a flat section of something, or a group of people assembled to judge or discuss.
How do you pronounce “panel”?
“Panel” is pronounced PA-nuhl (/ˈpænəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “panel” in a sentence?
Here is “panel” used in a sentence: “The old door had four carved wooden panels.”
What part of speech is “panel”?
Depending on how it is used, “panel” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “panel” come from?
The word “panel” comes from Vulgar Latin. From Old French panel/panelle ("piece of cloth, cushion"), from Vulgar Latin pannellus, a diminutive of Latin pannus ("cloth"). A doublet of "vane.".
Is “panel” a common word?
“Panel” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “panel” have?
“Panel” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a flat rectangular section set into a larger surface, such as a wall, door, or fence.
What are the types of panel?
In the sense of a flat section, common types include wall panels, door panels, ceiling panels, and fence panels. Related uses extend to solar panels, glass panels, and decorative wood panelling. Each is a distinct flat piece set into, or attached to, a larger structure.
What is the difference between a panel and a board?
Both are flat, rigid pieces, but a panel is usually set into a frame or larger surface, such as a section of a door or wall. A board is more often a free-standing plank or sheet, like a floorboard or a noticeboard. The distinction is mainly about how the piece is mounted.
What is an example of a panel?
The recessed rectangular sections you see on a traditional wooden door are panels. Other examples include a removable access panel on a machine, a glass panel in a window frame, or the flat sections that make up a garden fence. Each sits within a surrounding frame or surface.
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