First Known Use: 13th century
Dictionary
1pen
verb \ˈpen\
pennedpen·ning
Definition of PEN
transitive verb
: to shut in or as if in a pen
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Origin of PEN
Middle English pennen, from Old English -pennian
2pen
noun
Definition of PEN
1
a : a small enclosure for animals b : the animals in a pen <a pen of sheep>
2
: a small place of confinement or storage
3
: a protected dock or slip for a submarine
4
: bull pen 2
Origin of PEN
Middle English, perhaps from pennen
First Known Use: 14th century
3pen
noun
Definition of PEN
1
: an implement for writing or drawing with ink or a similar fluid: as a : quill b : pen point c : a penholder containing a pen point d : fountain pen e : ballpoint
2
a : a writing instrument regarded as a means of expression <enlisted the pens of the best writers — F. H. Chase> b : writer
3
: the internal horny feather-shaped shell of a squid
4
: stylus d
Origin of PEN
Middle English penne, from Anglo-French, feather, pen, from Latin penna, pinna feather; akin to Greek pteron wing — more at feather
First Known Use: 14th century
4pen
verb
pennedpen·ning
5pen
noun
Definition of PEN
: a female swan
Origin of PEN
origin unknown
First Known Use: circa 1550
6pen
noun
7pen
abbreviation
Definition of PEN
peninsula
PEN
abbreviation
Definition of PEN
International Association of Poets, Playwrights, Editors, Essayists and Novelists
Other Literature Terms
PEN Defined for Kids
1pen
noun \ˈpen\
Definition of PEN for Kids
: an instrument for writing with ink
2pen
verb
pennedpen·ning
Definition of PEN for Kids
: to write especially with a pen <Who penned this poem?>
3pen
noun
Definition of PEN for Kids
: a small enclosure especially for animals
4pen
verb
pennedpen·ning
Definition of PEN for Kids
: to shut in a small enclosure
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