pincushion

[ pin-koosh-uhn ]

noun

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

pincushion

/ ˈpɪnˌkʊʃən /

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of pincushion¹

First recorded in 1625–35; pin + cushion

Example Sentences

Tracy and I came down with the disease even though our upper arms look like pincushions by now.

From Salon

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

Around the corner from her home base, across the street from Webster Elementary School in City Heights, yellow and pink strawflowers and delicate blue scabiosa pincushions grow tall in raised beds.

From Los Angeles Times

The endangered Sneed’s pincushion cactus and other rare plants also grow in the area.

From Washington Post

Mike Israetel, co-founder of an online training and nutrition company and an amateur bodybuilder who competes at the national level, said steroids make him feel anxious, like “a pincushion of emotions.”

From Washington Post