light pen
noun
: a pen-shaped device for direct interaction with a computer through a cathode-ray tube display
Examples of light pen in a Sentence
writing with a light pen
Recent Examples on the Web
With it, a user was able to interactively and in real time make line drawings on the computer’s CRT screen, using a light pen for direct input on the display.
—
IEEE Spectrum, 16 Apr. 2023
Other new technology included CRT displays and a light pen or light gun for inputs.
—John Werner, Forbes.com, 26 Mar. 2025
The game comes in the silvery packaging that was standard for Vectrex releases in its day and even comes with a light pen, a peripheral used for keying in those delivery routes.
—Tim Stevens, Ars Technica, 4 Jan. 2024
Sketchpad was also the first program with a graphical user interface, controlled by touching text and icons on screen with the light pen, in addition to typing commands.
—BostonGlobe.com, 15 Aug. 2023
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
IEEE Spectrum, 16 Apr. 2023
Other new technology included CRT displays and a light pen or light gun for inputs.
—John Werner, Forbes.com, 26 Mar. 2025
The game comes in the silvery packaging that was standard for Vectrex releases in its day and even comes with a light pen, a peripheral used for keying in those delivery routes.
—Tim Stevens, Ars Technica, 4 Jan. 2024
Sketchpad was also the first program with a graphical user interface, controlled by touching text and icons on screen with the light pen, in addition to typing commands.
—BostonGlobe.com, 15 Aug. 2023
Cite this Entry
“Light pen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/light%20pen. Accessed 1 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share