noun
stylus
Stylus (noun) means an old tool like a thin rod, pointed at one end for scratching words onto clay or wax tablets, with a flat end for rubbing them out.
noun
1
An old tool like a thin rod, pointed at one end for scratching words onto clay or wax tablets, with a flat end for rubbing them out.
"It’s the cheapest stylus Apple’s released yet, but you’ll need a USB-C iPad to use it."
— Mike Andronico, Apple just revealed a new $79 Apple Pencil with USB-C — but is it right for you? (2023)
"Use the stylus to scroll up and down the list or flip through the pages left and right."
— “PDA”, PDA (2008)
2
A small pointed tool used for cutting fine lines into a surface or for tracing a pattern.
3
A pen-shaped tool for writing or drawing directly onto a touchscreen device.
4
A firm, pointed pen-like tool for cutting marks into the stencils used in a mimeograph printer.
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Etymology
Borrowed from Latin stylus (“a stake or pale”). Probably not directly related to Ancient Greek στῦλος (stûlos, “a pillar”). Doublet of style.
Synonyms
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Frequently asked questions
What is the meaning of stylus?
"stylus" (noun) means an old tool like a thin rod, pointed at one end for scratching words onto clay or wax tablets, with a flat end for rubbing them out.
What is another word for stylus?
Other words for "stylus" include style.
What are the different meanings of stylus?
"stylus" has 3 main meanings: 1. An old tool like a thin rod, pointed at one end for scratching words onto clay or wax tablets, with a flat end for rubbing them out; 2. A small pointed tool used for cutting fine lines into a surface or for tracing a pattern; 3. A pen-shaped tool for writing or drawing directly onto a touchscreen device.
