Ballpoint - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
A ballpoint is a pen with a small rotating metal ball at the tip that dispenses ink as it moves. It is widely used for writing due to its reliability and convenience.
Definition:
A pen with a tiny rotating ball that dispenses ink as it moves across paper.
Synonyms:
ballpen, biro, rollerball
Part of Speech:
noun
Antonyms:
fountain pen, quill
Common Collocations:
ballpoint pen, refillable ballpoint, cheap ballpoint, clickable ballpoint
Derivatives:
ballpoints, ballpointed (rare)
Usage Tips:
Use "ballpoint" to refer specifically to pens with a rolling ink-dispensing mechanism, not all pens generally.
Common Phrases:
out of ink in my ballpoint, lost my ballpoint, smooth-writing ballpoint
Etymology:
Derived from "ball" (referring to the tiny sphere) + "point" (the writing tip), first used in the mid-20th century.
Examples:
- 1. She signed the document with a blue ballpoint.
- 2. My ballpoint ran out of ink during the exam.
- 3. He prefers using a ballpoint over a fountain pen.
- 4. The teacher confiscated his red ballpoint for doodling.