Words / B1

BYR-oh/ˈbaɪrəʊ/

A biro is a ballpoint pen in informal UK English (originally a brand name). A fountain pen is different ink; a pencil is for sketches and maths working. Exams: a black biro is specified on the front; a pencil is not for the written paper.

Meaning

A ballpoint pen (UK, informal; originally a brand name).

Examples

• “A black biro is specified on the exam front; a pencil is not for the written paper.”
• “A biro in the stationery shop is still a ballpoint; it is not a fountain pen for SPaG presentation marks.”

Good to know

a biro (UK informal). Close: a ballpoint. Contrast: a fountain pen / a pencil. Exams. Countable pens. Mix-up: borrow is the verb to take and return.

Near in meaning

ballpoint

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