Search Dictionary
Definition of biro

biro

/ˈbaɪroʊ/
bi · ro
Plural:biros
JUMP TO:

biro Lexical Profile

biro Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

British A ballpoint pen that dispenses ink over a small metal sphere at its point.

Example

"She reached into her handbag to find a blue biro so she could sign the delivery receipt."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for biro

Word Nuance & Usage

Originally a registered trademark, 'biro' is widely used as a lowercase generic noun in British, Irish, and Australian English, whereas American English speakers almost exclusively use 'ballpoint pen'.

• Rhymes for biro

• Nearby Words

birdy
biriba
birmingham
biro
birria
birth
birthdate

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the 1940s as an eponym from the surname of László Bíró (1899–1985), the Hungarian journalist and inventor who patented the first commercially successful modern ballpoint pen in 1938.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Biro. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/biro
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.