blue-pencil

[ bloo-pen-suhl ]

verb (used with object)

blue-penciled, blue-penciling or (especially British) blue-pencilled, blue-pencilling.

1. to alter, abridge, or cancel with or as with a pencil that has blue lead, as in editing a manuscript.

blue pencil

noun

1. deletion, alteration, or censorship of the contents of a book or other work

verb

1. tr to alter or delete parts of (a book, film, etc), esp to censor

Word History and Origins

Origin of blue-pencil¹

First recorded in 1885–90

Related Words

• alter
• amend
• compare
• cut
• develop
• improve
• modify
• overhaul
• reconsider
• reexamine
• reorganize
• revamp
• review
• rework
• rewrite
• scrutinize
• tighten
• update
• upgrade