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Definition of penmanship

penmanship

/ˈpɛn.mən.ʃɪp/
pen · man · ship
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penmanship Lexical Profile

penmanship Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The art, skill, or style of handwriting.

Example

"Her neat and graceful penmanship made her handwritten letters a pleasure to read."

2

The craft or occupation of literary composition and authorship.

Example

"Through decades of dedicated penmanship, the essayist developed a voice of remarkable clarity and wit."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for penmanship

• Nearby Words

penknife
penlight
penlike
penmanship
penna
penna river
pennant

Word Origin & Etymology

First recorded in the late 17th century, formed from 'penman' (a person skilled in handwriting, from Old French 'penne' and Latin 'penna' meaning feather) combined with the Old English suffix '-ship' denoting skill or art.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Penmanship. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/penmanship
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