pen

The word “pen” means a handheld tool used for writing or drawing with ink. In plain terms, a tool for writing, a small animal enclosure, or (as a verb) to write something or shut something in.

“Pen” is pronounced PEHN (/ˈpɛn/ in IPA).

Here is “pen” used in a sentence: “She signed the contract with a fountain pen.”

Words with a similar meaning to “pen” include biro.

Depending on how it is used, “pen” can be a noun and a verb.

The word “pen” comes from Latin. The writing tool sense comes from Latin penna ("feather"), since early pens were cut from quills; the enclosure sense is unrelated, from Old English penn.

“Pen” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.

“Pen” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a handheld tool used for writing or drawing with ink.

A pen is a handheld tool that writes or draws with ink, so its marks are permanent. A pencil writes with a graphite core, and its marks can be erased. That is why pens are preferred for signatures and official documents, and pencils for drafts and sketches.

A pen is a small fenced enclosure for keeping animals, often used for holding them temporarily or overnight. A paddock is a larger enclosed field, typically where horses or livestock can graze and move about. The key difference is size and purpose: pens confine, paddocks give room.

Yes. In slightly formal or journalistic style, to pen something means to write it: "she penned a letter of complaint." Pen can also be a verb meaning to shut animals into an enclosure, as in "the sheep were penned in for the night."