pen in
idiom
: to prevent (someone or something) from moving beyond a particular area
The prisoners were penned in by a high fence.
—often used figurativelyShe felt penned in by their relationship.
Examples of pen in in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The researchers concluded that the rocks were not intended to mark a boundary, or croplands, or to help pen in livestock.
—
Franz Lidz, New York Times, 21 May 2025
Your credential, passport or valid ID, journal, and a pen in a waterproof bag.
—Craig Martin, Outside Online, 8 May 2025
According to the announcement of the recall, a customer found a piece of a pen in their Original Boudain sausage link.
—Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 3 Feb. 2025
Chicago Cubs: Bullpen FanGraphs projects only four bullpens to be worse than the Cubs’ pen in 2025.
—Eno Sarris, The Athletic, 7 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pen in
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Franz Lidz, New York Times, 21 May 2025
Your credential, passport or valid ID, journal, and a pen in a waterproof bag.
—Craig Martin, Outside Online, 8 May 2025
According to the announcement of the recall, a customer found a piece of a pen in their Original Boudain sausage link.
—Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 3 Feb. 2025
Chicago Cubs: Bullpen FanGraphs projects only four bullpens to be worse than the Cubs’ pen in 2025.
—Eno Sarris, The Athletic, 7 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pen in
Cite this Entry
“Pen in.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pen%20in. Accessed 3 Jun. 2025.
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