penmanship

noun

pen·​man·​ship ˈpen-mən-ˌship 

1

: the art or practice of writing with the pen

2

: quality or style of handwriting

Synonyms

• hand
• handwriting
• script

Examples of penmanship in a Sentence

My third grade teacher thought it was important for us to learn penmanship.

doctors are famous for their illegible penmanship

Recent Examples on the Web

Inspired by her penmanship, the Crayola crayons came in handy as people sketched absentmindedly on paper surfaces throughout the meal. —Freya Drohan, Vogue, 6 Mar. 2025

Jeff Probst commented on this penmanship misdirection on the latest episode of his On Fire with Jeff Probst podcast. —Dalton Ross, EW.com, 10 Apr. 2025

Who doesn’t dream of making beeswax candles, topping naked cakes with berries and writing on labels with picture-perfect penmanship? —Matt Brennan, Los Angeles Times, 7 Mar. 2025

Inspired by her penmanship, the Crayola crayons came in handy as people sketched absentmindedly on paper surfaces throughout the meal. —Freya Drohan, Vogue, 6 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1695, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for penmanship

• authorship
• battleship
• censorship
• chairmanship
• chieftainship
• comradeship
• consulship
• craftsmanship
• dealership
• draftsmanship
• fellowship
• fingertip

Kids Definition

penmanship

noun

pen·​man·​ship -mən-ˌship 

1

: the art or practice of writing with the pen

2

: quality or style of handwriting