blue-pencil

verb

blue-pen·cil | \ ˈblü-ˈpen(t)-səl

blue-penciled; blue-penciling; blue-pencils

Definition of blue-pencil

(Entry 1 of 2)

transitive verb

: to edit especially by shortening or deletion

blue pencil

noun

Definition of blue pencil (Entry 2 of 2)

: a writing instrument used for editing also : the act or practice of blue-penciling

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Examples of blue-pencil in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

But a blue pencil is as strong as a sword, and more cut and thrust would have made this book sharper. — Laura Jacobs, New York Times, "Ten Women Whose Tongues and Pens Were as ‘Sharp’ as Knives," 11 Apr. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'blue-pencil.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.