pinprick

[ pin-prik ]

noun

1. any minute puncture made by a pin or the like.
2. a negligible irritation or annoyance.

pinprick

/ ˈpɪnˌprɪk /

noun

1. a slight puncture made by or as if by a pin
2. a small irritation

verb

1. tr to puncture with or as if with a pin

Word History and Origins

Origin of pinprick¹

First recorded in 1745–55; pin + prick

Example Sentences

It’s death by a thousand pinpricks, a succession of small indignities.

From New York Times

The blast created a mini-sandstorm that pelted the gallery of patrons like a million pinpricks.

From Los Angeles Times

Specifically, they can unfold a single proton into multiple higher dimensions, enabling them to print computer circuits with the surface area of a planet onto a particle smaller than a pinprick.

From New York Times

But Jackson ignored the sounds and the smells and the pinpricks of pain.

From Literature

Old traditions dictate that each berry is given a pinprick to let the juices flow into the base spirit, but Horning recommends freezing the berries instead.

From Washington Times