Words / B1

BORLP-oynt/ˈbɔːlpɔɪnt/

A ballpoint is a pen that writes with a tiny ball at the end (also a ballpoint pen; UK also a biro). A fountain pen uses liquid ink; a gel pen can smudge. Exams: a ballpoint is allowed; gel pens may smudge on the script.

Meaning

A pen that writes with a tiny ball at the end (also a ballpoint pen; UK also a biro).

Examples

• “A ballpoint is allowed in the exam; gel pens may smudge on the script.”
• “A ballpoint on the stationery list is black or blue; green is for teacher marking.”

Good to know

a ballpoint; a ballpoint pen. Close (UK): a biro. Contrast: a fountain pen / a gel pen. Exams. Countable pens. Mix-up: a bullet point is a layout mark, not a pen.

Near in meaning

biro

New