safety pin

¹

noun

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

safety-pin

²

[ seyf-tee-pin ]

verb (used with object)

, safe·ty-pinned, safe·ty-pin·ning.

1. to secure or affix with a safety pin:

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

safety pin

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of safety pin¹

First recorded in 1855–60

Origin of safety pin²

First recorded in 1915–20

Example Sentences

“But all the negotiation channels or mechanisms that North and South Korea had for preventing escalation or misunderstandings are gone. The safety pin has been pulled out.”

From Los Angeles Times

Another way to monitor the eclipse’s progression is through a pinhole camera, which can be made by poking a hole in a piece of aluminum foil or paper with a safety pin, paper clip or pencil, and projecting the image of the sun onto the ground.

From Los Angeles Times

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

From Seattle Times

If the safety pin is still there the next time you declutter — meaning you haven’t worn the item in that time frame — it’s time to part ways.

From Seattle Times

An alternative version of the poster created by Reid features the Queen with a safety pin through her lip and swastikas for eyes.

From Los Angeles Times