English Lexicon

Ballpoint pen

/ˈbɔːl.pɔɪnt ˌpɛn/
nounCEFR A2 (Elementary)Top #4500 frequency
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Comprehensive Definitions & Senses

2 senses
As noun
  1. 1

    A pen that has a small metal ball as the point at the lower end, which rolls ink from a reservoir onto the paper.

    "She signed the official document using a reliable blue ballpoint pen."
  2. 2

    An inexpensive, disposable writing tool utilizing oil-based ink.

    "He kept a cup full of cheap ballpoint pens on his office desk."

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Synonyms (3)
Antonyms & Contrasting Words (1)

Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology

Coined in the 20th century, combining 'ball' (referring to the tiny rolling sphere at the tip) and 'point' with 'pen' (from Latin penna meaning feather). Hungarian-Argentine journalist László Bíró patented the modern practical version in 1938, leading to the pen frequently being called a 'biro' in many parts of the world.

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