pinking

Meanings

1. 1noununcountabletechnical

   The act or result of cutting a zigzag edge on fabric to stop it from fraying.

   Grammar: Used as an uncountable noun: 'pinking is a common technique.'

   Patterns

   • pinking of fabric
   • pinking shears

   She used pinking to finish the raw edges of the skirt.

   Pinking is a quick way to prevent woven fabrics from unraveling.

   The pinking on the hem was done with special shears.

2. 2noununcountabletechnical

   A knocking or rattling sound made by an engine when fuel burns unevenly.

   Grammar: Uncountable; often used in the phrase 'pinking noise'.

   Patterns

   • engine pinking
   • pinking sound

   The old car had a bad case of pinking when going uphill.

   Pinking can be caused by using the wrong grade of fuel.

   He heard a faint pinking from the engine and knew it needed tuning.

Common combinations

pinking shears

She cut the fabric with pinking shears to give it a zigzag edge.

pinking edge

The pinking edge on the cloth prevents it from fraying.

engine pinking

Engine pinking is often a sign of incorrect ignition timing.

Synonyms and how they differ

pinking

No exact synonym for the sewing sense; 'zigzag cutting' is descriptive but not a single word.

Word family

pink verb

To cut a zigzag edge on fabric, or to make a high-pitched knocking sound.

pinking noun

The action or result of cutting zigzag edges or making a knocking sound.

Commonly confused: pinking or pink?

Practice

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