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
According to the announcement of the recall, a customer found a piece of a pen in their Original Boudain sausage link.
—
Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 3 Feb. 2025
Chicago Cubs: Bullpen FanGraphs projects only four bullpens to be worse than the Cubs’ pen in 2025.
—Eno Sarris, The Athletic, 7 Jan. 2025
This package includes a special New Year’s Eve party plus a security escort to be a part of the live ball drop from a special pen in Times Square.
—Ramsey Qubein, Forbes, 9 Dec. 2024
With a folder and pen in hand, Jieire Vance stepped to the front door of the bungalow on Milwaukee’s north side.
—John Diedrich, Journal Sentinel, 5 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for pen in 
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Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 3 Feb. 2025
Chicago Cubs: Bullpen FanGraphs projects only four bullpens to be worse than the Cubs’ pen in 2025.
—Eno Sarris, The Athletic, 7 Jan. 2025
This package includes a special New Year’s Eve party plus a security escort to be a part of the live ball drop from a special pen in Times Square.
—Ramsey Qubein, Forbes, 9 Dec. 2024
With a folder and pen in hand, Jieire Vance stepped to the front door of the bungalow on Milwaukee’s north side.
—John Diedrich, Journal Sentinel, 5 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for pen in
Dictionary Entries Near pen in
Cite this Entry
“Pen in.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pen%20in. Accessed 16 Feb. 2025.
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