blue–pencil

verb blue–pen·cil \ˈblü-ˈpen(t)-səl\

Definition of BLUE-PENCIL

transitive verb

: to edit especially by shortening or deletion

— blue penciller noun

1888

Synonyms: blue-pencil, cancel, cross (out), dele, delete, edit (out), elide, kill, scratch (out), strike (out), stroke (out)

Next Word in the Dictionary: blue pencilPrevious Word in the Dictionary: blue peltAll Words Near: blue-pencil

What made you want to look up blue-pencil? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Put-downs with flair

How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.

Test your vocab with our fun, fast game

Ailurophobia, and 9 other unusual fears