pen
n. · v.-
1 writing tool (n.) A1 Beginnera tool that uses ink to write or draw on paper.
an instrument for writing or drawing with ink, typically consisting of a metal nib or ball point fitted into a metal or plastic holder.
ExampleHe reached into his pocket to find a pen so he could sign the document.
ExampleThe executive signed the multi-million dollar contract with a vintage fountain pen, a gift from his father upon his graduation.
- ballpoint
- fountain pen
PitfallI wrote the letter with a pen.I wrote the letter in pen.Use 'in pen' to describe the medium (ink), but 'with a pen' to describe the specific tool used.
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2 animal enclosure (n.) B1 Intermediate Zoologya small area with a fence around it used for keeping animals like sheep or pigs.
a small enclosure for livestock or other domestic animals.
ExampleThe farmer kept the young lambs in a separate pen near the barn.
ExampleThe sheep were gathered into a holding pen while the veterinarian performed the annual health inspections.
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3 medical injector (n.) B2 Upper Intermediate Medicinea device shaped like a pen used to give yourself medicine, like insulin.
a medical device designed to deliver a specific dose of medication via a needle, often used for insulin or epinephrine.
ExampleShe always carries an insulin pen in her bag in case her blood sugar gets too high.
ExampleThe patient was instructed on how to use the epinephrine pen immediately if they experienced any signs of an allergic reaction.
- injector
- autoinjector
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4 prison (n.) C1 Advanced Informal Slang American Englisha slang word for a prison.
a shortened form of 'penitentiary', used to refer to a state or federal prison.
ExampleHe spent five years in the pen before being released for good behavior.
ExampleAfter a decade in the state pen, the former inmate struggled to adapt to the rapid technological changes of the outside world.
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5 female swan (n.) C2 Proficiency Technical Zoologythe name for a female swan.
the adult female of the swan.
ExampleThe pen sat on her nest while the male swan guarded the area.
ExampleOrnithologists observed the pen carefully tending to her cygnets while the cob patrolled the perimeter of the lake.
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6 to write (v.) B2 Upper Intermediate Formal Literaryto write something, especially a letter or a book.
to compose and write a text; often used in formal or literary contexts.
ExampleShe decided to pen a short note to thank her hosts for the lovely weekend.
ExampleThe poet spent his final years in a secluded cottage, where he penned his most celebrated collection of sonnets.
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7 to shut in (v.) B2 Upper Intermediateto put animals into a small fenced area.
to confine or shut in an animal or person within an enclosure.
ExampleThe cattle were penned up for the night to keep them safe from predators.
ExampleThe protesters felt penned in by the heavy police presence at the edge of the square.
UsageOften used with the particle 'up' as 'pen up'.
- Nounbullpen
- Nounpen
- 01
pen picture
A written description, often biographical.
- 02
poison pen
A manner, means, or tone of expression had by a written work, characterized by spitefulness, defamation, and/or intimidation directed toward a person, organization, or point of view.
- 03
put pen to paper
To write something (especially using pen and ink).