pen
PEHN
Pen (noun) means a handheld tool used for writing or drawing with ink. Example: “She signed the contract with a fountain pen.”
noun
1
A handheld tool used for writing or drawing with ink.
"She signed the contract with a fountain pen."
"Could I borrow a pen to fill in this form?"
"He always keeps a blue pen in his jacket pocket."
2
A small fenced enclosure for keeping animals.
"The farmer moved the sheep into a smaller pen for shearing."
"The children watched the piglets playing in their pen at the farm."
"A wooden pen stood beside the barn, with two goats inside."
verb
1
To write something, especially a piece of text.
"The author penned a heartfelt letter to her readers."
"She penned a short note of thanks to her neighbour."
"He penned the song in an afternoon, sitting at the kitchen table."
2
To shut an animal or person into an enclosed space.
"The lambs were penned in the barn overnight."
"The farmer penned the cattle in the yard before the storm arrived."
"Crowds were penned behind barriers while the parade went past."
How to use pen
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA tool for writing, a small animal enclosure, or (as a verb) to write something or shut something in.
Common mistake
The writing "pen" and the animal-enclosure "pen" are two separate words that happen to look and sound the same — they aren't historically related.
Common pairings
pen and paper
pig pen
pen a letter
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Word forms
- Plural
- pens
- Third person singular
- pens
- Past tense
- penned, pent
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She signed the contract with a fountain _____.
Etymology
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.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “pen” mean?
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.
How do you pronounce “pen”?
“Pen” is pronounced PEHN (/ˈpɛn/ in IPA).
How do you use “pen” in a sentence?
Here is “pen” used in a sentence: “She signed the contract with a fountain pen.”
What is another word for “pen”?
Words with a similar meaning to “pen” include biro.
What part of speech is “pen”?
Depending on how it is used, “pen” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “pen” come from?
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.
Is “pen” a common word?
“Pen” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
How many meanings does “pen” have?
“Pen” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a handheld tool used for writing or drawing with ink.
What is the difference between a pen and a pencil?
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.
What is the difference between a pen and a paddock for animals?
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.
Can pen be used as a verb?
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."
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