pen

1
[ pen ]
/ pɛn /
SEE SYNONYMS FOR pen ON THESAURUS.COM

noun

verb (used with object), penned, pen·ning.

to write with or as with a pen; put down in writing: to pen an essay.
to draw with or as with a pen: to pen a sketch.

Origin of pen

1
1250–1300; Middle English penne < Old French penne pen, feather < Late Latin penna, Latin: feather

OTHER WORDS FROM pen

pen·like, adjective pen·ner, noun

Words nearby pen

pemphigus erythematosus, pemphigus foliaceus, pemphigus gangrenosus, pemphigus vegetans, pemphigus vulgaris, pen, pen computer, pen drive, pen friend, pen name, pen pal

Definition for penned (2 of 2)

pen 2
[ pen ]
/ pɛn /

noun

verb (used with object), penned or pent, pen·ning.

to confine in or as in a pen.

Origin of pen

2
before 1000; (noun) Middle English penne, Old English penn (in compounds); perhaps akin to pin; (v.) Middle English pennen, derivative of the noun

Words related to penned

compose, box, case, coop, corral, mew, hedge, confine, cage, engross, indict, draft, autograph

Example sentences from the Web for penned

British Dictionary definitions for penned (1 of 5)

PEN
/ (pɛn) /

n acronym for

International Association of Poets, Playwrights, Editors, Essayists, and Novelists

British Dictionary definitions for penned (2 of 5)

pen 1
/ (pɛn) /

noun

an implement for writing or drawing using ink, formerly consisting of a sharpened and split quill, and now of a metal nib attached to a holder See also ballpoint, fountain pen
the writing end of such an implement; nib
style of writing
the pen
  1. writing as an occupation
  2. the written wordthe pen is mightier than the sword
the long horny internal shell of a squid

verb pens, penning or penned

(tr) to write or compose

Word Origin for pen

Old English pinne, from Late Latin penna (quill) pen, from Latin: feather

British Dictionary definitions for penned (3 of 5)

pen 2
/ (pɛn) /

noun

an enclosure in which domestic animals are kept sheep pen
any place of confinement
a dock for servicing submarines, esp one having a bombproof roof

verb pens, penning, penned or pent

(tr) to enclose or keep in a pen

Word Origin for pen

Old English penn, perhaps related to pin

British Dictionary definitions for penned (4 of 5)

pen 3
/ (pɛn) /

noun

US and Canadian informal short for penitentiary (def. 1)

British Dictionary definitions for penned (5 of 5)

pen 4
/ (pɛn) /

noun

a female swan

Word Origin for pen

C16: of unknown origin

Idioms and Phrases with penned

pen

see slip of the lip (pen).