pincushion

American  

[pin-koosh-uhn] / ˈpɪnˌkʊʃ ən /

noun

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

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pincushion British  

/ ˈpɪnˌkʊʃən /

noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of pincushion

First recorded in 1625–35; pin + cushion

Example Sentences

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

‘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

And also, the months of lockdown that may have realigned our priorities away from office conflicts and toxic relationships crystallized how noxious youth sports have become for those pincushion refs.

From Washington Post • Dec. 6, 2021

A velvet pincushion in the shape of an aubergine, bought in New York in 1992.

From The Guardian • Oct. 24, 2020

The year before, he and his wife and Monique had gone on a trip to Hong Kong, which struck him, mostly, as a pincushion of gleaming skyscrapers.

From "Little Fires Everywhere" by Celeste Ng