WordGarden.iopin
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /pˈɪn/
US
- /ˈpɪn/
Meanings
Noun
a small pointed fastener used to attach, hold, or secure something
a personal identification number used to verify identity or unlock access
one of the standing targets knocked down in bowling or similar games
Verb
to fasten or attach something with a pin
to hold or trap someone or something so it cannot move
to keep a post, message, app, tab, or location fixed in a prominent place in a digital interface
Beyond the definition
A pin can be many things. It is often a small, sharp piece of metal used to hold cloth or paper in place. It can also be the marker that shows a place on a map, or the action of keeping a post or message at the top of a screen so it stays easy to find. In another common use, a PIN is the short number you enter to unlock a card, phone, or account. You may also hear about bowling pins, a badge worn on clothing, or pinning someone down so they cannot move. Across these uses, the idea is usually holding, marking, or securing something.
The word "pin" is very flexible, and its meaning changes with the context. At its most basic, a pin is a small, thin object, usually made of metal, used to fasten things. A safety pin can hold cloth together, and a sewing pin can keep fabric in place before it is stitched. In these cases, the idea is simple: a sharp point goes through something to hold it steady.
Beyond fastening, a pin can be a marker. People once put pins into paper maps to show places, and now we also pin locations in map apps. Online, you can pin a message, post, or note so it stays at the top and remains easy to see. The word appears in other everyday settings too: bowling pins are the objects players try to knock down, and a pin can be a small badge worn on clothing to show support, rank, or membership. As a verb, to pin someone means to hold them firmly so they cannot move, as in wrestling or during a struggle.
"Pin" also appears in less literal ways. You can pin your hopes on something, meaning you rely on it strongly, or pin the blame on someone, meaning you say that person is responsible. In all capital letters, PIN means "Personal Identification Number," the secret code used for bank cards, phones, and other secure systems. Historically, pins were valuable handmade items, but now they are ordinary objects we use without much thought. Whether it is holding fabric together, marking a place, fixing a note to the top of a screen, or protecting access to something important, "pin" usually carries the idea of holding, marking, attaching, or securing.
Examples
- 1
Craft
She used a pin to hold the paper flower in place.
- 2
Clothing accessory
There was a small silver pin on his jacket.
- 3
Paperwork
Please pin the receipt to the form so it doesn't get lost.
- Patternpin X to Y
attach X to Y with a pin or something similar
- 4
Hair styling
She pinned her hair back before she started cooking.
- Phrasepin your hair back
fasten it away from your face
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Physical restraint
The officer pinned him against the car and took the knife away.
- Patternpin someone against + surface
hold them so they cannot move
- 6
Planning
We need to pin down the date before we book the room.
- Patternpin down + detail
decide or identify it exactly
- 7
Political interview
The reporter tried to pin the minister down on the cost.
- Patternpin someone down on + topic
make them give a clear answer
- 8
Responsibility
Don't pin the blame on me; I wasn't even there.
- Patternpin the blame on + person
say they are responsible
- 9
Job hopes
He's pinning all his hopes on one job interview.
- Patternpin your hopes on + possibility
depend on it very strongly
- 10
Digital messages
I pinned the message to the top of the chat so everyone would see it.
- Domainin digital messages, pin a message/chat/post
keep it fixed at the top of a screen
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- pinnounverb
Forms
- pinspluralnounverb
- pinnedpast tenseverbnoun
- pinning-ing formverbnoun