stencil
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.”
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.
Word forms
stenciled past tense, stencilled past tense, stencils plural, stencils singular
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.