pen pal

noun

: a friend made and kept through correspondence

Examples of pen pal in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Email and Digital Pen Pals If your grandchildren prefer digital communication, consider becoming email pen pals. Garrison Leykam, Hartford Courant, 29 July 2024 In the same 1991 newspaper detailing Walz’s pen pal program, Walz explained his philosophy on distinguishing between other nations’ policies and people, and the importance of interacting on a person-to-person level—an approach that U.S.-China diplomacy experts largely support. Chad De Guzman, TIME, 7 Aug. 2024 Starting a pen pal program with your grandchildren can be a wonderful way to stay connected. Garrison Leykam, Hartford Courant, 29 July 2024 Ken and Blanchard first met as pen pals while Blanchard was still in prison for her role in the 2015 murder of her mom, Dee Dee. Sara Vallone, Miami Herald, 9 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for pen pal 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'pen pal.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1925, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pen pal was in 1925

Dictionary Entries Near pen pal

Cite this Entry

“Pen pal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pen%20pal. Accessed 19 Sep. 2024.

Kids Definition

pen pal

noun
: a friend made and kept through letter-writing

More from Merriam-Webster on pen pal

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!