Spelling.School · How to spell

How to spell pencil

Pencil is spelled P-E-N-C-I-L.

hear itpen·cil/'pɛnsəl/nounSounds

What it means: A tool for writing or drawing.

In a sentence: I drew a picture with my yellow pencil.

Same family: eyeliner pencil, eyebrow pencil, lip pencil, makeup, cosmetic. If you can spell one, the shared part carries to the others.

Where it comes from: The word "pencil" comes from Middle English and Old French words meaning a fine brush or little tail, originally referring to a small artist’s brush. Over time, the name shifted from the tool (a fine writing or drawing instrument) to many stick-shaped products, including modern cosmetic pencils for the face.

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