The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 5 letter word STYLI
S
T
Y
L
I
More clues leading to the result STYLI
Buddy explains!

The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does STYLI mean?
STYLI noun- Senses relating to a thin, pointed object.
- (by extension from sense 1.1) A particular manner of expression in writing or speech, especially one regarded as good.
- A particular manner of creating, doing, or presenting something, especially a work of architecture or art.
- A sharp stick used in ancient times for writing on clay tablets or other surfaces; a sharp tool for engraving.
- A tool for making small dots on a piece of heavy paper, used to produce Braille writing for the blind by hand.
- A phonograph needle.
- A small plastic stick used as a pen for writing on the touch-sensitive screen of an electronic device.