What does panel mean?
A panel is, quite literally, a defined section of a larger surface or structure. The word may refer to a rectangular part of a wall, door, cabinet, or appliance, or to a flat control surface containing switches and indicators. In public and professional contexts, a panel more commonly means a group of people brought together to discuss, advise, investigate, or assess a subject: an expert panel, for example, may hear evidence or offer recommendations. As a verb, "to panel" can mean to fit panels to a surface or to place someone before a group for questioning. The spelling varies between British and American English, especially in forms such as "panelled" and "panelling." Panel is especially useful because it links physical sections of an object with the idea of people forming one section of a larger discussion or decision-making process.
A distinct section of a surface, wall, door, cabinet, or appliance; a group of people appointed to discuss or advise on a matter; or a surface containing controls or other components.
"The chair asked the panel to consider the proposal."
The meaning involving a group of people is common in legal, academic, governmental, media, and business contexts.
To fit or cover something with panels, or to place a person or group before others for questioning or discussion.
"The walls of the study were panelled in dark wood."
The spelling is "panelled" and "panelling" in British English and "paneled" and "paneling" in American English.
When referring to a group of people appointed to discuss or advise on a matter, the singular "panel" is common, while "panels" refers to multiple such groups. For physical sections, the ordinary plural is also "panels."
"Two panels will review the proposals separately."
From a panel of cloth to an electrical control panel and an expert discussion group, the word has travelled from materials to people and technology.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does panel come from?
The word comes through Middle English from Old French "panel," originally a diminutive associated with "pan," a piece or hanging of cloth, ultimately from Latin "pannus," meaning cloth. Its modern sense of a flat section developed by extension from materials used to make partitions and furniture. The sense of a group of people selected to examine or discuss a subject developed much later, probably by analogy with a panel of experts or judges.
Related word forms
How panel is actually used
In British English, the verb and its related forms are commonly spelled with two l's: "panelled" and "panelling"; American English generally uses "paneled" and "paneling." The noun is also used for a group of experts, critics, or commentators, often in an institutional or advisory role. "Panelling" can additionally refer to a surface covering made from panels.
Easily confused with panel
A pane is a sheet of glass in a window or door, whereas a panel is a broader section of a surface or a group of people appointed to discuss or advise on a matter.