bobby pin

American  

noun

1. a flat, springlike metal hairpin having the prongs held close together by tension.

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bobby pin British  

noun

1. Brit terms: hairgrip.   kirby grip.  a metal hairpin bent in order to hold the hair in place

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Etymology

Origin of bobby pin

1935–40, perhaps Bobby (proper name), by association with bobbed hair ( bob ² ), in which such pins are used

Example Sentences

Each morning I’d get up, unfasten the bobby pins that held my pin curls in place, and get dressed.

From Literature

She found a lot of rusty bobby pins, empty paper cups, and dust bunnies.

From Literature

The bathroom is stocked with Listerine, Lubriderm lotion and bobby pins; the fridges teem with Red Bull, baby carrots and a wide selection of juices.

From New York Times

“It’s hard to believe there’s bobby pins, a cap and a full head of her own hair under the wig,” McDonald said as he pointed to a photograph of LuPone wearing it.

From New York Times

I think there’s tape, safety pins and bobby pins all behind that brooch holding it together.

From Los Angeles Times