pushpin en · NOUN
Pronunciation
- /ˈpʊʃˌpɪn/
Etymology
From push + pin.
Meanings
-
(countable) A small pin with a head made for gripping with the fingers, to be pushed into a bulletin board so as to pin papers to it; especially, such a pin with a cylindrical head.
My invention relates to improvements in what are termed “push-pins,” said pins being adapted to support one article upon another and being particularly employed for holding photographic films stretched upon a surface, such as a board, for drying and the like.
[1900 July 24, Edwin Moore, Push-Pin, US Patent 654319:An illustration showed a pair of scissors slicing off the leg of a doll […] stuck with pushpins.
2009 January 28, “Mexicans turning to black magic in hopes of defeating U.S.”, in Toronto Star:
- (archaic, uncountable) An old children's game where pins are placed on a table and each player tries to push his pin so as to cross the other's.
Forms
| Spelling | Features | Labels | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| push-pin | alternative | lexicographic | |
| push pin | alternative | lexicographic | |
| pushpins | Number=Plur | lexicographic |