stylus

noun

sty·​lus ˈstī-ləs How to pronounce stylus (audio)
plural styli ˈstī(-ə)-ˌlī How to pronounce stylus (audio) also styluses ˈstī-lə-səz How to pronounce stylus (audio)
: an instrument for writing, marking, or incising: such as
a
: an instrument used by the ancients in writing on clay or waxed tablets
b
: a hard-pointed pen-shaped instrument for marking on stencils used in a reproducing machine
(2)
: a cutting tool used to produce an original record groove during disc recording
d
: a pen-shaped pointing device used for entering data (such as positional information from a graphics tablet) into a computer

Examples of stylus in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The Voyager records can be played under the stylus of a phonograph-like contraption, if extraterrestrials ever intercept them. Shi En Kim, Smithsonian Magazine, 14 Mar. 2024 But a steady stream of research continues to suggest that taking notes the traditional way—with pen and paper or even stylus and tablet—is still the best way to learn, especially for young children. Charlotte Hu, Scientific American, 21 Feb. 2024 The screen has a shiny, almost rubbery texture that is too grippy for the stylus and doesn’t make jotting notes smooth. Barry Collins, Forbes, 20 Feb. 2024 Those who prefer using a stylus every now and then to operate their phones should check out the Motorola Moto G Stylus, which is now available with a great discount. Gabriela Vatu, PCMAG, 6 Feb. 2024 Not only will Samsung’s foldable continue to support the S-Pen, but the stylus is expected to have its own storage slot built into the Z Fold 6. Ewan Spence, Forbes, 14 Feb. 2024 But this is still a far better charging and attachment mechanism than any competing iPad stylus can claim. Cierra Cowan, PCMAG, 1 Feb. 2024 Just push in to eject the stylus for a way to take handwritten notes, jot down a few ideas or sketch out designs or objects. Rudie Obias, The Hollywood Reporter, 31 Jan. 2024 Connectivity includes two Thunderbolt 4 ports, a USB-A port, HDMI out, and a 3.5mm jack, and the laptop can be used with Asus’ stylus. Jon Porter, The Verge, 9 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'stylus.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Latin stylus, stilus spike, stylus — more at style

First Known Use

1773, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of stylus was in 1773

Dictionary Entries Near stylus

Cite this Entry

“Stylus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stylus. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

stylus

noun
sty·​lus ˈstī-ləs How to pronounce stylus (audio)
plural styli ˈstī(ə)l-ˌī How to pronounce stylus (audio) also styluses ˈstī-lə-səz How to pronounce stylus (audio)
1
: an instrument used by the ancients for writing on wax tablets
2

Medical Definition

stylus

noun
sty·​lus
variants also stilus
plural styli ˈstī(ə)l-ˌī How to pronounce stylus (audio) also styluses ˈstī-lə-səz How to pronounce stylus (audio) or stili or stiluses
: an instrument for writing, marking, or incising: as
a
: a hard-pointed instrument for punching the dots in writing braille with a braille slate
b
: a device that traces a recording (as of an electrocardiograph) on paper

More from Merriam-Webster on stylus

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