pen

A pen is a handheld writing instrument that dispenses ink to create marks on a surface. The term pen derives from the Latin penna, meaning feather, reflecting early writing quills. In modern usage, pens range from disposable plastic bodies to precision instruments used for art or calligraphy.

The history of pens spans millennia. Early writing instruments included reed pens and quills. Metal nibs emerged in Europe in the early modern period, enabling reusable nibs and more durable writing. The fountain pen, combining a nib with an internal ink reservoir, was developed in the 19th century; the first commercially successful version is attributed to Petrache Poenaru in 1827. The 20th century saw the invention of the ballpoint pen by László Bíró in 1938, followed by rollerball, gel ink, and felt-tip designs, which broadened ink formulation and delivery methods and improved writing speed and convenience.

Modern pens are categorized by ink delivery: ballpoint pens use a viscous oil-based ink delivered by a rotating ball; fountain pens use water-based ink supplied from cartridges or converters to a nib; rollerball pens use a liquid ink similar to fountain ink; gel pens use a pigmented gel; felt-tip and brush-tip pens rely on porous nibs. Nibs are typically stainless steel or gold. Refills include cartridges, converters, or bottled ink for dip and fountain designs. Pens are used for everyday writing, drawing, and technical drafting, with variations designed for accessibility, archival quality, and art. Environmental considerations include the shift toward refillable and recyclable designs and the management of plastic waste from disposable pens.