ENGLISH
REFERENCE

pin

n. · v.
US //ˈpɪn// UK //pˈɪn// pin
  1. 1 fastener (n.)
    A2 Elementary

    a short, thin piece of stiff wire with a sharp point at one end, used to fasten things together.

    a small, pointed fastener, typically of steel, used for joining fabric or paper.

    Example

    She used a pin to hold the two pieces of cloth together while she was sewing.

    Example

    The tailor carefully inserted a pin into the hem to mark the exact length before beginning the final alterations.
  2. 2 jewellery (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    a decorative piece of jewellery that you attach to your clothes with a sharp point.

    an ornamental item of jewellery fastened to a garment by a hinged pin and catch.

    Example

    He wore a small silver pin on his jacket to show his support for the charity.

    Example

    The antique pin featured a delicate floral design made of gold and small rubies, passed down through several generations.
Show 5 more sensesShow fewer
  1. 3 bowling/skittles (n.)
    B1 Intermediate Sport

    one of the wooden objects that you try to knock down in a game of bowling.

    one of the upright wooden or plastic targets used in games such as ten-pin bowling or skittles.

    Example

    He was disappointed when only one pin remained standing after his second throw.

    Example

    The professional bowler managed to strike all ten pins with a powerful, curved delivery that hit the pocket perfectly.
  2. 4 legs (n.)
    C1 Advanced Informal Humorous

    a person's legs.

    a person's legs, typically used in a lighthearted or informal context.

    Example

    I've been standing all day and my pins are starting to ache.

    Example

    After the long hike, he complained that his old pins weren't as sturdy as they used to be in his youth.
  3. 5 to fasten (v.)
    B1 Intermediate

    to attach something to something else using a pin.

    to fasten or join objects using a pin or similar pointed device.

    Example

    She pinned the note to the fridge so her roommate would see it.

    Example

    The researcher pinned the butterfly specimen to the display board with surgical precision, ensuring the wings were perfectly symmetrical.
  4. 6 to hold down (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    to hold someone or something down so they cannot move.

    to press or hold someone or something firmly against a surface to prevent movement.

    Example

    The fallen tree pinned the car to the ground, trapping the driver inside.

    Example

    The wrestler managed to pin his opponent's shoulders to the mat for the required three seconds to win the match.
  5. 7 digital pinning (v.)
    B1 Intermediate Computing

    to fix a message or app at the top of a screen so it stays there.

    to attach a digital item, such as a message, icon, or application, to a specific location in a user interface for easy access.

    Example

    You should pin the most important chat to the top of your messaging app.

    Example

    The administrator decided to pin the updated safety guidelines to the company's main dashboard to ensure maximum visibility for all employees.
    • unpin
Idioms3 entries

© 2026 English Reference