Meaning of pen In English

• 0 a long, thin object used for writing or drawing with ink:

  • a fountain/ballpoint/felt-tip pen

  • Don't write in pen (= using a pen), or you won't be able to rub out any mistakes you make.

• 1 a small area surrounded by a fence, especially one in which animals are kept:

  • a sheep/pig pen

  • He served nine years in the state pen.

• 2 a female swan:

  • The cob and pen then send their grown cygnets off to find their own water.

• 3 to write something:

  • She penned a note of thanks to her hostess.

• 4 a thin device with a point used for writing or drawing with ink:

  • [ C ] a fountain/ballpoint/felt-tip pen

  • [ U ] You must fill out the application in pen (= using a pen).

• 5 a small area surrounded by a fence in which animals are kept, or slang a prison or jail

• 6 to use a pen to write or draw something with ink:

  • She penned (= wrote) a thank-you note.

• 7 to enclose a person or animal in a small area by surrounding the area with a fence:

  • Sheep are penned behind the barn.