ballpoint pen

American  

[bawl-point pen] / ˈbɔlˌpɔɪnt ˈpɛn /

noun

• ballpoint pens
  plural

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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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• ballpoint pens
  plural

Etymology

Origin of ballpoint pen

First recorded in 1945–50; ball ¹ + point

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

ballpoint pen

The book is signed on the inside front cover in black ballpoint pen by Sir Paul, reading: "All the best! to ye!"

From BBC ● Jun. 30, 2026

Chow, a lawyer who is representing herself, smiled at supporters who waved enthusiastically from the public gallery as the hearing began, while Lee sat quietly in the dock taking notes with a ballpoint pen.

From Barron's ● May 18, 2026

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

Sounders coach Brian Schmetzer showed his frustration by incessantly clicking his ballpoint pen during his postgame media interview.

From Seattle Times ● May 5, 2024

On top of his papers and framed photographs is Eduardo’s goldtone ballpoint pen, obviously a family gift, maybe from high school graduation, and here’s the little boy taking it, writing slowly in the air.

From "Native Speaker" by Chang-rae Lee