Meaning of “pen” in the English Dictionary

English
Contents

"pen" in English

See all translations

pennoun [ C ]

uk ​ /pen/ us ​ /pen/

pen noun [ C ] (FOR WRITING)

A1 a long, thin object used for writing or drawing with ink:

a fountain/ballpoint/felt-tip pen
Don't write in pen (= using a pen), or you won't be able to rub out any mistakes you make.

More examples

Thesaurus: synonyms and related words

Idiom(s)

the pen is mightier than the sword
put/set pen to paper

penverb [ T ]

uk ​ /pen/ us ​ /pen/ -nn- formal

Phrasal verb(s)

pen sb in/up

(Definition of “pen” from the Cambridge Advanced Learner’s Dictionary & Thesaurus © Cambridge University Press)

"pen" in American English

See all translations

pennoun

us ​ /pen/

pen noun (WRITING DEVICE)

› [ C/U ] a thin device with a point used for writing or drawing with ink:

[ C ] a fountain/ballpoint/felt-tip pen
[ U ] You must fill out the application in pen (= using a pen).

pen noun (ENCLOSED SPACE)

› [ C ] a small area surrounded by a fence in which animals are kept, or slang a prison or jail

penverb [ T ]

us ​ /pen/ -nn-

pen verb [ T ] (WRITING DEVICE)

› to use a pen to write or draw something with ink:

She penned (= wrote) a thank-you note.

pen verb [ T ] (ENCLOSED SPACE)

› to enclose a person or animal in a small area by surrounding the area with a fence:

Sheep are penned behind the barn.

(Definition of “pen” from the Cambridge Academic Content Dictionary © Cambridge University Press)

Translations of “pen”
 
Need a translator?

Translator tool

Get a quick, free translation!

What is the pronunciation of pen?
Browse