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

Even the artist’s characteristically earnest penmanship, seen frequently in his work, seems potentially inauthentic when compared with the rapid, disheveled handwriting present in his diaries and personal notes, displayed in a documentary vitrine on the museum’s mezzanine. —Mateus Nunes, Artforum, 1 Dec. 2024

The penmanship also matches other manuscripts by the composer. —Julia Binswanger, Smithsonian Magazine, 31 Oct. 2024

It is not signed by Chopin, but the penmanship matched his, including his distinctive bass clef as well, as his doodling characteristic. —Hannah Peart, NBC News, 29 Oct. 2024

Gone are his steady hand and beautiful, perfect penmanship. —Jeremy Helligar, Peoplemag, 17 Aug. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1695, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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