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cotton gin

American  

noun

  1. a machine for separating the fibers of cotton from the seeds.


Etymology

Origin of cotton gin

An Americanism dating back to 1790–1800


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

Among the other inventions ranked, coronary bypass surgery finished in the 26th spot, cotton gin, 30th, dishwasher, 50th, bluejeans, 56th, and Post-it Notes, 60th.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 24, 2026

In addition to farming 3,100 acres, the family soon operated a seed and fertilizer business, warehouses, a peanut-shelling plant and a cotton gin.

From Los Angeles Times ● Dec. 29, 2024

Keeping up with the pace of technology has challenged Congress since the steam engine and the cotton gin transformed the nation’s industrial and agricultural sectors.

From Seattle Times ● Apr. 10, 2024

At a cotton gin in the San Joaquin Valley, in California, a boxy machine helps to spray a fine mist containing billions of molecules of DNA onto freshly cleaned Pima cotton.

From New York Times ● Apr. 7, 2023

He say he want to fight but got to stay home and nm his daddy*s cotton gin.

From "The Color Purple" by Alice Walker

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