English · Word Candidate

pencil

/ˈpɛnsəl/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: pencils · penciling · pencilling · penciled

Sense 1

Meaning · English

A paintbrush.

Noun

But living art may not least part expresse, / Nor life-resembling pencill it can paynt[…].

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Meaning · English

A writing utensil with a graphite (commonly referred to as lead) shaft, usually blended with clay, clad in wood, and sharpened to a taper.

Noun

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Meaning · English

To write (something) using a pencil.

Verb

I penciled (BrE: pencilled) a brief reminder in my notebook.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Meaning · English

To mark with, or as if with, a pencil.

Verb

It pencilled each flower with rich and variegated hues, and threw over its exuberant foliage a vesture of emerald green.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

What does “pencil” mean?

A paintbrush.

Is “pencil” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.