English Reference
noun · verb

panel

n. · v.
US /ˈpænəɫ/ UK /pˈænəl/ pan·el UK spelling panels

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate

    n.a flat, usually rectangular part of a larger surface, such as a wall, door, or fence.

    n.a distinct, usually rectangular section of a larger surface, often recessed or raised from the surrounding area.

    Simple

    The carpenter replaced the broken wooden panel in the front door.

    In context

    The interior designer suggested using decorative fabric panels to soften the acoustics of the high-ceilinged dining room.

  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate

    n.a small group of people chosen to discuss a topic, judge a competition, or give advice.

    n.a body of individuals selected to provide expert testimony, conduct a public discussion, or adjudicate a competition.

    Simple

    A panel of experts will answer questions about climate change tonight.

    In context

    The selection panel interviewed several highly qualified candidates before deciding on a new director for the research institute.

  3. 03 B2 Upper Intermediate Computing

    n.a board or screen that contains switches, buttons, or controls for a machine or computer.

    n.a physical or virtual interface containing instruments, controls, or widgets for operating a system.

    Simple

    You can change your password in the user control panel.

    In context

    The pilot monitored the instrument panel closely as the aircraft entered a thick layer of cloud.

  4. 04 B2 Upper Intermediate

    n.one of the individual drawings that make up a page in a comic book.

    n.an individual frame or single drawing within a multi-frame sequence of a comic strip or graphic novel.

    Simple

    The artist spent hours drawing the details in just one panel of the comic.

    In context

    The graphic novelist used a wide, borderless panel to emphasize the vastness of the desert landscape.

  5. 05 C1 Advanced Formal Law

    n.the group of people chosen to act as a jury in a court of law.

    n.the collective group of individuals summoned for jury service or the specific group empanelled for a trial.

    Simple

    The members of the jury panel were asked to remain impartial.

    In context

    The defence attorney challenged several potential jurors during the selection of the panel to ensure a fair trial for his client.

  6. 06 C1 Advanced Technical Medicine

    n.a set of medical tests done together to check a person's health.

    n.a predetermined set of medical laboratory tests or assays performed as a single diagnostic battery.

    Simple

    The doctor ordered a full blood panel to check for any deficiencies.

    In context

    A comprehensive metabolic panel provides essential information about the patient's kidney and liver function as well as electrolyte balance.

  7. 07 C1 Advanced Formal

    v.to cover a wall or ceiling with flat sections of wood or other material.

    v.to decorate or finish a surface by fitting it with panels. Transitive — requires a direct object.

    Simple

    They decided to panel the library in dark oak to give it a classic look.

    In context

    The grand ballroom was elegantly panelled in walnut, reflecting the architectural style of the late nineteenth century.

    wainscotcover

Usage panel of experts

Solar panels charge the battery only while the sun is up, and on the moon, sunrise is not a daily event.

Phys.org· 15 Aug 2026

But the panel had been damaged by woodworm, and the area eaten away was the bottom edge of the work – the very area where Peeters usually signed her pieces.

The Guardian· 7 Aug 2026

From Middle English panel (“piece of cloth, saddle pad, pane of glass, piece of ice, part, division, jury list, jury members”), from Anglo-Norman panel, panelle (“piece of cloth, saddle cushion”), from Vulgar Latin pannellus, diminutive of Latin pannus (“cloth, rag, garment”), from Proto-Indo-European peh₂n- (“fabric”). Cognate with Old English fana (“a piece of cloth, patch, banner, flag, vane”). Doublet of vane.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin ine-pro *peh₂n-
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Common
Updated