Meaning & use

pencil

noun·Everyday

A narrow writing or drawing instrument containing a graphite core encased in wood or plastic.

See it in a sentence

She sharpened her pencil before starting the sketch of the old bridge.

He keeps a pencil behind his ear whenever he works in the workshop.

A note on using this word

As a verb, "pencil in" means to schedule something tentatively, since pencil marks can be erased.

Words with a similar meaning

This term is best learned through its definition and examples.

Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.

Another way to use it

2. verb

To write or schedule something provisionally, allowing for later change.

Let's pencil in a meeting for Thursday and confirm the details later.

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “pencil”, then compare your use with the examples above.

Your draft stays on this page and is not sent anywhere.