bobby pin

noun

1. a flat, springlike metal hairpin having the prongs held close together by tension.

bobby pin

noun

1. a metal hairpin bent in order to hold the hair in place Brit termshairgripkirby grip

Word History and Origins

Origin of bobby pin¹

1935–40, Americanism; perhaps Bobby (proper name), by association with bobbed hair ( bob ² ), in which such pins are used

Example Sentences

She found a lot of rusty bobby pins, empty paper cups, and dust bunnies.

From Literature

The bathroom is stocked with Listerine, Lubriderm lotion and bobby pins; the fridges teem with Red Bull, baby carrots and a wide selection of juices.

From New York Times

“It’s hard to believe there’s bobby pins, a cap and a full head of her own hair under the wig,” McDonald said as he pointed to a photograph of LuPone wearing it.

From New York Times

I think there’s tape, safety pins and bobby pins all behind that brooch holding it together.

From Los Angeles Times

Mama had let me sleep in rag rollers the night before, so I had big corkscrew curls instead of my usual pigtails, and she put bobby pins in my hair, crisscrossing two on each side.

From Literature