Pencil
/ˈpɛn.səl/noun
A writing instrument consisting of a thin stick of graphite or a similar substance enclosed in a wooden or plastic casing.
Did you know?The word 'pencil' comes from a term meaning 'little tail', originally referring to a small brush used by artists to apply pigments, often linked to sorcery and divine inspiration.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
penicillus
“A small tail or brush, used in artistic contexts.”
Old French
Old French
pincel
“A fine brush or small tool for painting.”
Middle English
Middle English
pensel
“A writing instrument or brush.”
Modern English
English
pencil
“A tool for writing or drawing, typically made of graphite.”
Explore more surprising origins