What does "pencil" mean?

1. (writing tool) a long, thin tool used for writing or drawing, usually made of wood with a grey centre. 2. (optics/geometry) a group of light rays or lines that meet at a single point. 3. (to write with a pencil) to write or draw something using a pencil. 4. (to schedule tentatively) to arrange a meeting or event that might change later.

How do you use "pencil"?

This is a transitive verb that takes a direct object. Usually used in the phrasal form 'pencil in'.

pencil

n. · v.

US //ˈpɛnsəɫ// UK //pˈɛnsəl// pen·cil

1 writing tool (n.)
A1 Beginner

a long, thin tool used for writing or drawing, usually made of wood with a grey centre.

a writing or drawing instrument consisting of a graphite shaft, typically encased in wood and sharpened to a point.

Example

I need to sharpen my pencil because the tip just broke while I was drawing.

Example

The artist preferred a soft-grade pencil for shading, as it allowed for a broader range of tonal values compared to a standard office implement.
- graphite
- lead
- pen
2 optics/geometry (n.)
C2 Proficiency Technical Science

a group of light rays or lines that meet at a single point.

a collection of lines or light rays that converge toward or diverge from a single point.

Example

The lens focuses the pencil of light onto a small spot on the screen.

Example

In projective geometry, a pencil of lines consists of all straight lines in a plane that pass through a specific common point.
- beam
- cluster

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3 to write with a pencil (v.)
B1 Intermediate

to write or draw something using a pencil.

to record, sketch, or mark something using a pencil; often implies a temporary or erasable entry.

Example

She pencilled her name lightly at the top of the test paper.

Example

The architect pencilled a few rough corrections onto the blueprint before sending it back to the drafting team for final revisions.

Usage

This is a transitive verb that takes a direct object.
- ink
4 to schedule tentatively (v.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Informal

to arrange a meeting or event that might change later.

to schedule an appointment or event tentatively, usually followed by 'in'.

Example

Let's pencil in a meeting for Tuesday, but I'll confirm it with you on Monday.

Example

We can pencil the interview in for Thursday afternoon, though we should remain flexible in case the director's flight is delayed.

Usage

Usually used in the phrasal form 'pencil in'.
- tentatively schedule
- confirm
- finalize

Origin

From Anglo-Norman and Old French pincil (see the variant pincel, which gave rise to Modern French pinceau (“paintbrush”)), from Latin pēnicillum, diminutive of pēniculus (“brush”), itself a diminutive of pēnis (“tail; penis”). Not related to pen.

Idioms3 entries