safety pin

¹ American  

noun

1. a pin bent back on itself to form a spring, with a guard to cover the point.

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safety-pin ² American  

[seyf-tee-pin] / ˈseɪf tiˌpɪn /

verb (used with object)

safety-pinned, safety-pinning

1. to secure or affix with a safety pin.

   to safety-pin a child's mittens to his coat sleeve.

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safety pin British  

noun

1. a spring wire clasp with a covering catch, made so as to shield the point when closed and to prevent accidental unfastening

2. another word for pin

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Etymology

Origin of safety pin¹

First recorded in 1855–60

Origin of safety-pin²

First recorded in 1915–20

Example Sentences

Jones recommends “tagging” any items you’re still wavering on with a safety pin.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 27, 2024

Many others used a much more effective tool - the ubiquitous safety pin.

From BBC • Mar. 19, 2023

“My safety pin busted out of my pants, as I was running,” Glasper joked while pulling up his pants on the Microsoft Theater stage after winning the award on Sunday.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 6, 2023

She was a little alarmed when the doctor pulled out a safety pin and explained that he was going to poke her with it to check her ability to feel pain.

From New York Times • Jan. 12, 2023

She saw the safety pin holding the hem of the dress up.

From "The Bluest Eye" by Toni Morrison