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 figuratively
She felt penned in by their relationship.

Examples of pen in in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
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 Last year, Nvidia published a paper showing that researchers could teach a simulated robot hand to spin a pen in its fingers, the way a bored student might, an action that essentially requires the pen to be in flight most of the time. James Somers, The New Yorker, 25 Nov. 2024 The muses may hold a pen in one hand and a smoke, or steaming mug, in the other—herbal remedies continue to be efficacious for writer’s block. Alison Habens, JSTOR Daily, 31 Oct. 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 22 Dec. 2024.

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