Ballpoint: meaning, definitions and examples
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ballpoint
[ ˈbɔːl.pɔɪnt ]
writing instrument
A ballpoint is a type of pen that uses a tiny ball bearing in the tip to disperse ink as the pen is moved across a surface. It is widely regarded for its convenience and reliability in writing.
Synonyms
ink pen, pen, rollerball
Examples of usage
- I prefer a ballpoint over a fountain pen for everyday writing.
- She took out her ballpoint to jot down the notes.
- The teacher handed out ballpoints to the students for the exam.
Translations
Translations of the word "ballpoint" in other languages:
🇵🇹 caneta esferográfica
🇮🇳 बॉलपॉइंट पेन
🇩🇪 Kugelschreiber
🇮🇩 pulpen
🇺🇦 шарикова ручка
🇵🇱 długopis
🇯🇵 ボールペン
🇫🇷 stylo à bille
🇪🇸 bolígrafo
🇹🇷 tükenmez kalem
🇰🇷 볼펜
🇸🇦 قلم حبر جاف
🇨🇿 kuličkové pero
🇸🇰 guličkové pero
🇨🇳 圆珠笔
🇸🇮 kuličnik
🇮🇸 kúlupenni
🇰🇿 шарикті қалам
🇬🇪 ბოლპუნქტური კალამი
🇦🇿 top ball qələmi
🇲🇽 pluma de bola
Etymology
The term 'ballpoint' was first coined in the 1940s, derived from the mechanism it employs. The design is based on the principle of a sphere, or ball, that rotates to release ink, allowing for a smooth and consistent line of writing. The invention of the ballpoint pen is attributed to Laszlo Biro, an Argentine-Hungarian journalist, who patented the design in 1938. He sought to improve on the fountain pen, which required frequent refills and often smudged when writing quickly. Biro's invention not only revolutionized writing but also became a common tool in schools and offices around the world. Over the years, various manufacturers have refined the design, leading to the widespread popularity of ballpoint pens in numerous colors and styles.