Definition

Noun: A straight pin is a short, thin piece of stiff wire with a sharp point at one end and a small, flat head at the other. It is designed to temporarily fasten materials like fabric or paper together by being pushed through them.

Usage

A straight pin is a tool used primarily in sewing, tailoring, and crafts. * It is used to hold pieces of fabric in place before they are permanently sewn. * It is used to attach paper patterns to fabric. * It can be used to temporarily hold papers or other lightweight materials together.

Examples

• Noun:
  • She used a straight pin to secure the pattern to the wool before cutting.
  • Be careful not to drop any straight pins on the floor.
  • A pincushion is filled with sawdust to hold straight pins safely.

Advanced Usage

• "To pin something with a straight pin": This phrase describes the specific action of using this tool.
  • The tailor pinned the hem with a straight pin before sewing it.

Variants and Related Words

• Pin (n): A more general term for a short, slender piece of metal used for fastening. A straight pin is one type of pin. Other types include safety pins, bobby pins, and hairpins.
• Pincushion (n): A small, soft pad into which straight pins and needles are stuck for convenient storage.
• T-pin (n): A variant of a pin shaped like a "T," often used in blocking knitted items or for heavier fabrics.

Synonyms

• Sewing pin: A more specific synonym that emphasizes its primary use.
• Dressmaker's pin: Another specific synonym indicating its use in garment making.

Antonyms

• Staple: A fastener made of thin wire bent into a U-shape and driven through materials, typically used for paper and requiring a stapler.
• Paper clip: A bent piece of wire or plastic used to hold papers together without piercing them.

Noun

1. pin consisting of a short straight stiff piece of wire with a pointed end; used to fasten pieces of cloth or paper together