pencil
/ˈpɛnsəl/noun★Beginner
formal
A writing instrument consisting of a narrow, solid piece of graphite or a similar material, typically encased in a wooden or plastic holder.
She picked up a pencil and began to draw.
He used a pencil to take notes during the lecture.
💡
A common school supply, pencils are often used for writing and drawing.
Collocations
pencil casea container for holding pencils and other writing utensilspencil sharpenera device used to sharpen the tip of a pencil
Synonyms
Related Phrases
think outside the pencil boxidiom
to be creative and think of new ideas
💡Pro Tip
Using Pencils Effectively
Always keep a sharpener handy to ensure your pencil stays sharp and ready to use.
⚡Gold Rule
Subject-Verb Agreement
Use 'pencil' as a singular noun, e.g., 'The pencil is on the table.'
📖Word Origin
From Old French 'pincel', a diminutive of 'pin', meaning 'pointed'.
📝Usage Notes
Pencils are commonly used in educational settings and for artistic purposes.
Word Breakdown
pen-
pointed
root-cil
small
suffixEnglish Dictionary