pincushion

American  

[pin-koosh-uhn] / ˈpɪnˌkʊʃ ən /

noun

1. a small cushion into which pins are stuck until needed.

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pincushion British  

/ ˈpɪnˌkʊʃən /

noun

1. a small well-padded cushion in which pins are stuck ready for use

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Etymology

Origin of pincushion

First recorded in 1625–35; pin + cushion

Example Sentences

Each time was like a tiny jab, till Penelope’s heart felt as full of pins as the lumpy red pincushion carried by Madame LePoint, the dressmaker at Ashton Place.

From Literature

Tracy and I came down with the disease even though our upper arms look like pincushions by now.

From Salon

Discovered in 1852, Psyche has the width of Massachusetts, a squashed spherical shape reminiscent of a pincushion, and an orbit between Mars and Jupiter in the main asteroid belt.

From Salon

Around the corner from her home base, across the street from Webster Elementary School in City Heights, yellow and pink strawflowers and delicate blue scabiosa pincushions grow tall in raised beds.

From Los Angeles Times

The endangered Sneed’s pincushion cactus and other rare plants also grow in the area.

From Washington Post