# quill

/ˈkwɪɫ/ (US) · /kwˈɪl/ (UK) · CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/quill
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Definition

a large feather from a bird's wing or tail that people used as a pen in the past. It can also mean one of the sharp, stiff hairs on a porcupine.

For teachers: the hollow, stiff barrel of a feather, or a writing instrument fashioned from such a feather. In a zoological context, refers to the sharp, protective spines of a porcupine or similar animal.

## Examples

- The writer dipped his quill into the ink and began to write.
- The museum display featured a collection of original manuscripts written entirely with goose quills.
- When threatened, the porcupine raises its quills to create a formidable barrier of sharp points that can easily detach and embed in a predator's skin.

## Usage notes

- Often used in historical contexts regarding writing; in biology, it specifically refers to the calamus of a feather.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.