pen in
idiom
: to prevent (someone or something) from moving beyond a particular area
The prisoners were penned in by a high fence.
—often used figurativelyShe felt penned in by their relationship.
Examples of pen in in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Shoulda behaved better, Lady F. Pen probably would’ve helped with your money troubles if your feral parenting style hadn't driven her to pick up her pen in the first place.
—
Sara Netzley, EW.com, 13 June 2024
Overnight Whitening Pen Having your teeth professionally whitened can cost hundreds of dollars — instead, use this pen in the comfort of your own home.
—Claire Rutter, Rolling Stone, 4 July 2024
DeSantis has some suggestions Jeff Brandes, the former state senator from St. Petersburg, saw the business end of DeSantis’ veto pen in 2021.
—Kirby Wilson, Orlando Sentinel, 2 July 2024
The judge threw down his pen in visible agitation, rested his head in his hand, and, after Harris parked, ordered him to turn himself into Washtenaw County Jail by 6 p.m.
—Emily Palmer, Peoplemag, 10 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for pen in 
Sara Netzley, EW.com, 13 June 2024
Overnight Whitening Pen Having your teeth professionally whitened can cost hundreds of dollars — instead, use this pen in the comfort of your own home.
—Claire Rutter, Rolling Stone, 4 July 2024
DeSantis has some suggestions Jeff Brandes, the former state senator from St. Petersburg, saw the business end of DeSantis’ veto pen in 2021.
—Kirby Wilson, Orlando Sentinel, 2 July 2024
The judge threw down his pen in visible agitation, rested his head in his hand, and, after Harris parked, ordered him to turn himself into Washtenaw County Jail by 6 p.m.
—Emily Palmer, Peoplemag, 10 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for pen in
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'pen in.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Pen in.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pen%20in. Accessed 27 Jul. 2024.
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