pushpin

English edit

Alternative forms edit

push-pin, push pin

Etymology edit

From push +‎ pin.

Pronunciation edit

IPA^(key): /ˈpʊʃˌpɪn/

Noun edit

pushpin (countable and uncountable, plural pushpins)

(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.
Coordinate terms: drawing pin, thumbtack
- [1900 July 24, Edwin Moore, Push-Pin‎^[1], US Patent 654319:
  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.]
- 2009 January 28, “Mexicans turning to black magic in hopes of defeating U.S.”, in Toronto Star‎^[2]:
  An illustration showed a pair of scissors slicing off the leg of a doll […] stuck with pushpins.
(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.

Translations edit

thumbtack — see thumbtack

Verb edit

pushpin (third-person singular simple present pushpins, present participle pushpinning, simple past and past participle pushpinned)

(transitive) To fasten with a thumbtack.