VocabDictionary

quill

/kwÉŠl/intermediate Level

English Meaning & Definitions

1.noun

A pen made from a dried, large feather of a bird, used historically with ink.

Example Sentences:
  • “The historical document was carefully written by hand using a goose quill.”
  • “He dipped his quill into the dark inkwell and began to draft the royal decree.”
2.noun

A stiff, sharp, hollow spine or hair of a porcupine or hedgehog.

Example Sentences:
  • “The curious dog got too close to the porcupine and ended up with a snout full of quills.”
  • “Indigenous artisans often use dyed porcupine quills to decorate traditional garments.”
3.noun

The hollow cylindrical base of a feather's shaft.

Example Sentences:
  • “She trimmed the base of the quill to fit it securely into the decorative mounting.”
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English Synonyms & Near Equivalents

English Antonyms & Opposites

Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown

Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for “quill”.

Thesaurus Entry
Cultural Origin & Etymology

Middle English (denoting a hollow reed or stalk), of uncertain origin; possibly from Middle Low German 'quiele' (feather, quill) or related to Middle Dutch 'kuyte' (calf of the leg). The sense shifted from a reed to a large feather used for writing.

Memory Aid & Mnemonic

Think of a 'quill' as a 'quick' way to 'fill' parchment with ink using a feather.

Common Collocations & Phrases
Rhyming Words

Frequently Asked Questions About “quill”

1. What is the meaning of “quill” in English?

In English, quill (noun) is defined as: “A pen made from a dried, large feather of a bird, used historically with ink.”.

2. How do you use “quill” in a sentence?

“The historical document was carefully written by hand using a goose quill.”

3. What are English synonyms of “quill”?

Common synonyms include:feather pen,spine,plume,shaft

4. What is the etymology and word origin of “quill”?

Middle English (denoting a hollow reed or stalk), of uncertain origin; possibly from Middle Low German 'quiele' (feather, quill) or related to Middle Dutch 'kuyte' (calf of the leg). The sense shifted from a reed to a large feather used for writing.