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pincushion

American  
[pin-koosh-uhn] / ˈpɪnˌkʊʃ ən /

noun

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


pincushion British  
/ ˈpɪnˌkʊʃən /

noun

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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of pincushion

First recorded in 1625–35; pin + cushion


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:

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

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

From Washington Post ● Mar. 21, 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

Water-thrifty Mediterranean plants that attract beneficial insects, bees, butterflies and hummingbirds add to the mix including lavenders, Salvia microphylla “Hot Lips,” Kangaroo Paw and pincushion flowers.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 15, 2016

He was preparing a group of these pieces for a one-man show when he heard about the party and he instantly abandoned his own work and began a giant pincushion for Doc.

From "Cannery Row" by John Steinbeck

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