Stencil (noun)

1. A sheet of material (such as plastic or metal) with a cut-out design or lettering, used as a guide for reproducing the design or lettering on another surface.
2. A design or lettering made using a stencil.

Origin:

Late 18th century: from french estampe "a stamp" + -il (later assimilated to -el), or from german stempel.

Examples:

1. He used a stencil to paint the letters on the wall.
2. She used a stencil to make cookies in the shape of stars.
3. The artist used stencils to create the intricate designs on the floor.
4. The stencil was used to print the design on the t-shirt.
5. He used a stencil to make sure the letters were all the same size.