safety pin

¹ American  

noun

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

---

safety-pin ² American  

[seyf-tee-pin] / ˈseɪf tiˌpɪn /

verb (used with object)

safety-pinned, safety-pinning

1. to secure or affix with a safety pin.

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

---

safety pin British  

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

---

Etymology

Origin of safety pin¹

First recorded in 1855–60

Origin of safety-pin²

First recorded in 1915–20

Example Sentences

No toothbrush or needle but—unheard-of wealth—a whole packet of safety pins!

From Literature

The $2,500 check I carried in my parka, fastened to the lining with a safety pin.

From Literature

Why couldn’t I have safety pins, or better still a uniform that didn’t need any pins at all?

From Literature

The costume department must have used every safety pin in town.

From Los Angeles Times

Maralyn crafted a fishing line, using a safety pin from a first-aid kit and a piece of string, and survived on raw fish, turtles and small sharks.

From BBC