This meaning refers to handheld writing instruments that apply ink to a surface.
The drawer contains pencils and pens.
These pens write smoothly on recycled paper.
This meaning refers to fenced or enclosed spaces used to contain farm animals or other creatures.
The sheep were separated into different pens.
Workers cleaned the livestock pens.
In specialized animal terminology, a pen is an adult female swan, contrasted with a male cob.
The wildlife center cares for several pens and cobs.
The pens remained close to their nests.
This meaning refers to placing or keeping someone or something inside an enclosure or restricted area.
The farmer pens the sheep before sunset.
Temporary fencing pens the crowd into a narrow space.