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

The artwork is endearing, and the captions, written with studied care and impressive penmanship, offer a glimpse into the minds of the children for whom this campus was created. —Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 Feb. 2025

Most of these are from the Revolutionary War-era, known for looped and flowing penmanship. —Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 17 Jan. 2025

His penmanship and his notetaking skills are impressive. —Gary Klein, Los Angeles Times, 13 Jan. 2025

School children were once taught impeccable copperplate handwriting and penmanship was something they were graded on. —Elizabeth Weise, USA TODAY, 12 Jan. 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