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

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 • Aug. 23, 2023

‘Little Penny’ is a pincushion of a plant, the smallest coreopsis ever — ideal for tucking into pots, where its copper-colored flowers will set off darks or brights.

From Seattle Times • May 28, 2022

For a few pennies more, children got a ball or pincushion they could use to track their behavior.

From Washington Post • Jun. 21, 2021

But we wanted to offer a few kind words for Ruben Amaro, who might as well be tagged the "pincushion GM."

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 22, 2015

My sewing machine was on the floor nearby, and an open box full of all my other supplies—many spools of thread, pins and a pincushion, envelopes of needles—sat beside it.

From "A Very Large Expanse of Sea" by Tahereh Mafi