pinking shears

noun

, (usually used with a plural verb)

1. shears that have notched blades, for cutting and simultaneously pinking fabric or for finishing garments with a notched, nonfraying edge.

pinking shears

plural noun

1. scissors with a serrated edge on one or both blades, producing a wavy edge to material cut, thus preventing fraying

Word History and Origins

Origin of pinking shears¹

First recorded in 1960–65

Example Sentences

“Another girl lived to be about 16, and I made it. So you’re looking at the luckiest guy in the world. In 1951, they operated on people with pinking shears and screwdrivers.”

From Los Angeles Times

I embrace the Girl Scouts mom who carries pinking shears in her purse.

From New York Times

But before you start reaching for your pinking shears, there are some techniques and tools that can be used to aid his hang time.

From Slate

At Steinlauf & Stoller, Mr. Schwarzenberger showed her pocket scissors, thread snips, embroidery scissors, bent trimmers, pattern notchers and pinking shears.

From New York Times

My embroidery hoops and a pair of pinking shears in an oilcloth sheath hung around my neck, threatening myself and others in the push and shove.

From Literature