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pen

pen

508 1.0
A tool for writing with ink
  • noun
  • /pɛn/
translation icon : bolígrafo
  • She always carries a pen in her bag for taking notes during meetings.
  • pen and paper
  • pen and ink
  • pen or pencil

First step is to push the pen down and then twist it.

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Examples

Synonyms

marker
vspen
57 1.1

A pen with a thick tip used to make bold marks

is the standard ink instrument mainly for paper writing and drawing
ballpoint
vspen
14 1.0

A pen that puts ink on paper with a small metal ball at the tip

is the general ink tool that can use other delivery methods
Sharpie
vspen
10 2.8

A brand of permanent marker used to write on many surfaces

is the typical ink instrument used mainly for paper writing
8 1.0

A writing pen with a small metal ball in the tip that rolls ink onto paper

is the general ink instrument not limited to that ball mechanism
fountain pen
vspen
8 3.1

A pen with a built-in ink holder that lets ink flow to the tip

is the wider ink-writing tool not defined by an internal reservoir
felt tip
vspen
2 3.0

A pen with a soft cloth tip used for drawing or coloring

is the general ink tool used for writing or drawing broadly
quill pen
vspen
  • Archaic
2 8.1

A writing tool made from a bird's feather that you dip in ink to write

is the regular modern ink instrument using manufactured tips
felt-tip pen
vspen
1 2.1

A pen with a soft felt tip for writing or drawing

is the general ink tool that may use metal or ball tips
1 3.0

A tool for writing or drawing with a soft tip that makes bold lines

is the broader ink instrument that covers many tip materials
1 3.2

A thing that you use to write, like a pen or pencil

is specifically an ink-based writing or drawing instrument
ballpen
vspen
  • Indian
1.6

A pen with a small metal ball at the tip that rolls and puts ink on paper

is the broader ink instrument that includes many tip types

Idioms

To use someone else's ideas without giving them credit

Compounds

18 2.9

A person in another country you write letters to and become friends with

10 3.5

A name an author uses instead of their real name when publishing

A writing pen with a small metal ball in the tip that rolls ink onto paper

8 3.1

A pen with a built-in ink holder that lets ink flow to the tip

3 7.5

A pen a president or governor uses to officially reject a law

2 3.1

A small fenced area where farmers keep animals before moving them

quill pen
  • Archaic
2 8.1

A writing tool made from a bird's feather that you dip in ink to write

1 2.1

A pen with a soft felt tip for writing or drawing

1 5.5

A drawing made with pen and ink that shows lines and shading without color

1 2.1

An enclosure for keeping cattle like cows and bulls

A tool for writing or drawing with a soft tip that makes bold lines

1 1.6

A fenced area where farmers keep cows

light pen
  • Archaic
1 5.6

A handheld tool that you use on a computer screen to point or draw

1 1.2

A fenced area where a farmer keeps sheep

catch pen
  • Specialized
6.3

A small fenced area that holds animals like sheep or cattle for a short time

catching pen
  • Jargon
5.5

A small fenced area for holding animals briefly to sort or check them

A pen with a very thin felt tip that draws precise lines for writing or drawing

9.9

A respected writer known for great books or articles

pen-pusher
  • Offensive
7.9

A person who does simple office paperwork and little creative work

A small brown mammal from Malaysia with a bare tail and long stiff hairs at the tip

9.9

A small brown tree shrew from Malaysia with a bare tail fringed by stiff hairs at the tip

5.7

A small wireless tool shaped like a pen that moves the computer pointer for drawing and precise work

4.1

The small pointed metal tip of a pen that puts ink on paper

3.2

A person you write to and know only by letters, often never meeting

An unsigned angry letter written to hurt or insult someone

An anonymous letter that says cruel things to hurt someone

sea pen
  • Specialized
9.8

A marine animal like a feather made of many tiny animals on the sea floor

slip of the pen
  • Informal
3.8

A small mistake made when writing by accident

How Precise

pen nib
4.1
fountain pen
8 3.1
pen
508 1.0
marker
57 1.1

Surface Forms

pen singular
pens plural

Etymology

Pen comes from the Latin word penna meaning 'feather', because early writing pens were quills made from bird feathers. So a pen is a tool for writing.