ball-point pen

Ink-filled writing stick

A ball-point pen is a writing instrument that dispenses ink through a small rotating ball at its tip.

The ball, typically made of brass or steel, picks up ink from an internal reservoir and transfers it to paper as it rolls.

Ball-point pens became dominant over fountain pens in the mid-20th century because they're cheaper, more portable, and less prone to leaking.

Also spelled as one word: ballpoint.

mechanism

retractable

Able to draw inward

cartridge · refill · clip · cap · tip · nib · reservoir · plastic · metal · twist

ink

blue

Primary color; also sad

  • blackDarkest possible hue
  • redPrimary color, warm
  • gelWobbly semi-solid substance

oil-based · viscosity · pigment · permanent · waterproof · fade-resistant · quick-drying · skip · blob · flow

writing

jot

Brief, hasty recording

sketch · doodle · margin · crossword · journal · list · memo · annotation · underline · circle

everyday

desk

Furniture for writing

  • officeProfessional work location
  • pocketFabric compartment in clothing
  • purseBag for personal items

bank · checkout · receipt · classroom · lecture · meeting · hotel · doctor · cheap · ubiquitous

brands

Biro

Ballpoint inventor's surname

  • ParkerVehicle-stowing professional
  • PentelWriting instrument company
  • StaedtlerGerman stationery manufacturer

Montblanc

Opposites
writing instrument mechanism

ball-point penfountain pen

Ink-reservoir writing instrument

quill pen · felt-tip pen · dip pen · brush pen · rollerball pen

writing technology era

ball-point penquill

Feather used for writing

reed pen · feather pen · stylus · chisel · chalk

permanence and editability

ball-point penpencil

Graphite writing instrument

erasable pen · chalk · dry-erase marker · whiteboard marker · grease pencil

Family

ball, pointed, pointer, pointing, point, ballpoint, penman, ballpoints, unpointed

Familiarity
Top 200,000
Profile
Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Everyday, not technical · Rated G