ballpoint pen

American  

[bawl-point pen] / ˈbɔlˌpɔɪnt ˈpɛn /

noun

1. a pen in which the point is a fine ball bearing that rotates against a supply of semisolid ink in a cartridge, thus rolling the ink onto paper.

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Etymology

Origin of ballpoint pen

First recorded in 1945–50; ball ¹ + point

Example Sentences

He took a year out to apply to study law, during which he worked as a dustman, on a kibbutz and as a ballpoint pen salesman in South Africa.

From BBC • Oct. 17, 2025

He called her every day and kept a diary, sketching rap lyrics and poems in blue ballpoint pen.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 15, 2025

Mitchell has been drawing for as long as he can remember, but it was a high school classmate pointing out the permanent nature of a ballpoint pen that led to his aha moment.

From Los Angeles Times • May 16, 2025

Even without the ballpoint pen, Schmetzer coolly concluded: “I need guys that are ready to play.”

From Seattle Times • May 10, 2024

They sat across a desk from each other; the man had Shadow’s file open in front of him, and was holding a ballpoint pen.

From "American Gods" by Neil Gaiman