lead pencil

American  

[led] / lɛd /

noun

1. a writing or drawing implement made of graphite in a wooden or metal holder.

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lead pencil British  

/ lɛd /

noun

1. a pencil in which the writing material is a thin stick of a graphite compound

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Etymology

Origin of lead pencil

First recorded in 1680–90

Example Sentences

Woolf ends up at a stationery shop on the Strand, where she purchases a single lead pencil before heading home.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 14, 2022

They later found a lead pencil and writing slate dating to the late 1500s that appear to bear images of letters and an Englishman with a gun.

From Washington Times • Jul. 8, 2017

One of the most unusual recent discoveries is a small piece of slate that was used as a writing tablet, along with a lead pencil.

From National Geographic • Aug. 7, 2015

Each day he dotted the virtues he failed to fulfill with a black lead pencil.

From Forbes • Apr. 6, 2011

It was the tip of a lead pencil, broken off and wrapped up and presented along with a card that said, “A gross of commas, to be used liberally throughout the year as needed.”

From "Woe Is I" by Patricia T. O'Conner