pen

pen

pen [pen pens penned penning] noun, verb   [pen]    [pen] 

noun
1. (often in compounds) an instrument made of plastic or metal used for writing with ink
• pen and ink
• a new book from the pen of Martin Amis

see also  ballpoint pen, felt-tip pen, fountain pen

2. a small piece of land surrounded by a fence in which farm animals are kept

• a sheep pen

3. (NAmE, slang) =  penitentiary 
more at a slip of the pen/tongue at  slip  _n.  
Word Origin:
n. sense 1 and v. sense 1 Middle English Old French penne Latin penna ‘feather’ late Latin ‘pen’
v. sense 2 and n. sense 2 Old English penn
 
Example Bank:
• His pen was poised, ready to sign his name.
• I grabbed a pen and began taking notes.
• Let me grab a pen.
• My pen's run out.
• The President has yet to wield his veto pen to block a bill.
• This pen won't write.
• pen and ink drawings

Idioms: pen is mightier than the sword ▪ put pen to paper