noun
stencil
STEHN-sihl
Stencil (noun) means a sheet with a cut-out pattern used to apply paint or ink in that shape onto a surface. Example: “She used a stencil to paint the house number on the wall.”
noun
1
A sheet with a cut-out pattern used to apply paint or ink in that shape onto a surface.
"She used a stencil to paint the house number on the wall."
verb
1
To create a design using a stencil.
"He stencilled the logo onto the crates before shipping."
How to use stencil
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA cut-out template for painting the same shape or letters repeatedly, or the act of using one.
Common pairings
stencil a design
spray-paint stencil
letter stencil
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Word forms
- Plural
- stencils
- Third person singular
- stencils
- Past tense
- stenciled, stencilled
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She used a _____ to paint the house number on the wall.
Etymology
Traces back to Old French estenceler, "to sparkle," from estencele, "spark" — the link to decoration comes from the idea of dotting a surface with bright flecks of colour.
Rhymes for stencil
See all rhymes for stencil →Frequently asked questions
What does “stencil” mean?
The word “stencil” means a sheet with a cut-out pattern used to apply paint or ink in that shape onto a surface. In plain terms, a cut-out template for painting the same shape or letters repeatedly, or the act of using one.
How do you pronounce “stencil”?
“Stencil” is pronounced STEHN-sihl (/ˈstɛnsəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “stencil” in a sentence?
Here is “stencil” used in a sentence: “She used a stencil to paint the house number on the wall.”
What part of speech is “stencil”?
Depending on how it is used, “stencil” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “stencil” come from?
The word “stencil” comes from Old French. Traces back to Old French estenceler, "to sparkle," from estencele, "spark" — the link to decoration comes from the idea of dotting a surface with bright flecks of colour.
How many meanings does “stencil” have?
“Stencil” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a sheet with a cut-out pattern used to apply paint or ink in that shape onto a surface.
