pin
7 synonyms and 0 antonyms 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
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use pin
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
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.