hairpin

[ hair-pin ]

noun

1. a slender U -shaped piece of wire, shell, etc., used by women to fasten up the hair or hold a headdress.

adjective

1. (of a road, curve in a road, etc.) sharply curved back, as in a U shape:

   a hairpin turn.

hairpin

/ ˈhɛəˌpɪn /

noun

1. a thin double-pronged pin used by women to fasten the hair
2. modifier (esp of a bend in a road) curving very sharply

Word History and Origins

Origin of hairpin¹

First recorded in 1770–80; hair + pin

Example Sentences

He now only had great rival Alain Prost ahead of him and Senna went past the Frenchman at the hairpin before the end of the first lap.

From BBC

But Verstappen positioned his car with expertise to prevent Norris being able to make a move at the hairpin at Turn 15.

From BBC

Chalk it up to one more bizarre twist in an election season full of hairpin turns.

From Los Angeles Times

He also spun at Turn Four and as his car skidded down the track towards the hairpin of Turn Five it narrowly avoided collecting Perez’s Red Bull.

From BBC

The twisting road that snakes through the Hollywood Hills is famous for its hairpin turns and sweeping views.

From Los Angeles Times