Meaning & use
pins
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“pins” is a form of “pin”. See that entry for the full set of meanings.
Meanings
nounplural
Plural of pin: thin pieces of metal with a sharp point, used to hold fabric or paper in place.
Grammar: Plural countable noun: a box of pins.
Patterns
- a box of pins
- pins and needles
She held several pins between her lips while hemming the dress.
He bought a box of pins for the sewing class.
The bulletin board was full of pins and notices.
nounplural
Plural of pin: small badges or brooches fastened to clothing.
Grammar: Plural countable noun; often called lapel pins.
Patterns
- pins on something
He wore enamel pins on his jacket.
The collector displays vintage pins on a board.
Scouts earn pins for their achievements.
nounpluralsport
Plural of pin: the upright wooden targets in bowling that are knocked over by the ball.
Grammar: Plural countable noun used in bowling.
Patterns
- knock down pins
She knocked down nine pins with her first ball.
The machine resets the pins after each frame.
Ten pins stand in a triangle at the end of the lane.
verbtransitive
Third person singular of pin: fastens something in place with a pin or holds it firmly.
Grammar: Takes an object: she pins the notice to the wall.
Patterns
- pins something to something
- pins someone down
She pins the poster to the board every Monday.
He pins the cloth before sewing.
The wrestler pins his opponent to the mat.
Word forms
| singular | pin |
|---|
Common combinations
- box of pins
- There was a box of pins on the sewing table.
- pins and needles
- I got pins and needles in my foot after sitting.
- bowling pins
- The ball sent the bowling pins flying.
- safety pins
- She used safety pins to hold her costume together.
- enamel pins
- He sells enamel pins online.
Synonyms and how they differ
- tacks
- Tacks have a flat head and are pushed into boards or walls, unlike pins which are thin and sharp.
- brooches
- Brooches are decorative jewellery pins, so they are narrower than pins in general.
- badges
- Badges show membership or achievement and may not use an actual pin.
- fasteners
- Fasteners is a much wider word including buttons and zips.
Word family
Commonly confused: pins or pens?
pins vs pens
Pens are for writing and sound similar in some accents, but pins are small fasteners.
Practice
A tailor holds fabric together before sewing. What is she most likely using?
Choose one answer.
Pins are thin metal fasteners used in sewing. Pens write, pans cook, and pines are trees.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “pins”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.