pin synonyms and antonyms | FreeDict Thesaurus

15 synonyms and 1 antonym for pin, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.

Noun — A short, thin, pointed piece of metal used to fasten things together, such as fabric.

Synonyms

Everyday swaps

Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.

flag fall trap

Less common

Still standard English, but they carry more weight.

tack badge clip peg pivot

Rare, literary or technical

Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.

fastener brooch skittle rowlock oarlock immobilize immobilise

Synonyms by Meaning

1. noun

A short, thin, pointed piece of metal used to fasten things together, such as fabric.

“Be careful, there is still a pin in the seam of this dress.”

tack fastener brooch badge clip peg flag pivot skittle rowlock fall oarlock

2. verb

To fasten something with a pin, or to hold something firmly in place.

“Please pin the poster to the board near the staff room door.”

trap immobilize immobilise

Opposites

unpin

How to use pin

The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.

pin something down safety pin pin a message pin someone against the wall

Etymology

From Old English pinn, "peg" or "bolt," from a Proto-Germanic root meaning a protruding point — related to "pintle" and unrelated to the Latin word for a wing or feather.

Full origin of pin →

Frequently asked questions

What does “pin” mean?

The word “pin” means a short, thin, pointed piece of metal used to fasten things together, such as fabric. In plain terms, a small pointed fastener, a decorative badge, or (as a verb) to fasten, hold down, or keep something visible.

How do you pronounce “pin”?

“Pin” is pronounced PIHN (/ˈpɪn/ in IPA).

How do you use “pin” in a sentence?

Here is “pin” used in a sentence: “She used a pin to hold the hem in place before sewing it.”

What is another word for “pin”?

Words with a similar meaning to “pin” include skittle.

What part of speech is “pin”?

Depending on how it is used, “pin” can be a noun and a verb.

Where does the word “pin” come from?

The word “pin” comes from Latin. From Old English pinn, "peg" or "bolt," from a Proto-Germanic root meaning a protruding point — related to "pintle" and unrelated to the Latin word for a wing or feather.

Is “pin” a common word?

“Pin” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.

How many meanings does “pin” have?

“Pin” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a short, thin, pointed piece of metal used to fasten things together, such as fabric.

What is the difference between a pin and a needle?

A pin is a short, thin, pointed piece of metal used to fasten things such as fabric together, and it has a solid head at one end. A needle is used for sewing and has an eye, a small hole at one end, to hold thread.

What is the difference between a pin and a brooch?

In the sense of a decorative badge, a pin is a small ornament attached to clothing with a fastener. A brooch is generally larger and more ornamental, while a decorative pin tends to be smaller and simpler.

What is the difference between a pin and a safety pin?

A plain pin is a straight length of pointed metal with an exposed point, used to hold fabric temporarily. A safety pin bends back on itself and has a guard that covers the point, making it safer to wear and less likely to prick the skin.

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Nearby words

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