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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