What does "pincushion" mean?
A device, originally like a small, stuffed cushion, designed to have sewing pins and needles stuck into it to store them safely; some modern pincushions hold the objects magnetically.
Pincushion
/ˈpɪnˌkʊʃn̩/ noun, verb, slang
noun, verb, slang ·Moderate ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A device, originally like a small, stuffed cushion, designed to have sewing pins and needles stuck into it to store them safely; some modern pincushions hold the objects magnetically.
- Grammar: pincushion is listed as noun, verb, slang.
- Nearest alternatives: needle cushion, pin cushion, pincushion flower, scabiosa.
- Usage evidence: Mary’s cat is so sweet that I really don’t mind him curling up in my lap, but the way he insists on kneading my legs with his claws makes me feel like a pincushion.
How to use "pincushion"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "pincushion" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "pincushion" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "pincushion" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "pincushion" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "pincushion" is acting as noun, verb, slang in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "needle cushion" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "pincushion", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A device, originally like a small, stuffed cushion, designed to have sewing pins and needles stuck into it to store them safely; some modern pincushions hold the objects magnetically.
"Then for womens cloaths, the cabadge of cloath of ſilver, brancht Sattin, and the like, went for pin-cuſhions, pin-pillows, womens purſes; and if black, Church-wardens capes."
- 2 a small stiff cushion into which pins are stuck ready for use wordnet
- 3 The names of various plants with flowers or other parts resembling a pincushion.; A flowering plant in the genus Leucospermum.
"[S]ee how the knowledge of the climate tolerances of one South African shrub, the Saldana pincushion (Leucospermum tomentosum) is integrated with projections of a global circulation model applied to the southern tip of South Africa [...]."
- 4 The names of various plants with flowers or other parts resembling a pincushion.; A flowering plant in the genus Scabiosa.
"Scabiosa, often called mourning bride, pincushion flower, and sweet scabious, is an easily grown, old-fashioned, half-hardy annual. It is very attractive and satisfactory both for cutting and for borders and beds."
- 5 The names of various plants with flowers or other parts resembling a pincushion.; A coral bead plant, coral moss, or English baby tears (Nertera granadensis), an ornamental plant.
Show 4 more definitions
- 6 The names of various plants with flowers or other parts resembling a pincushion.; A dustymaiden, a flowering plant in the genus Chaenactis.
"An abundant wildflower following good winter rains, Fremont pincushion [Chaenactis fremontii] features heads composed entirely of white or pinkish disk flowers."
- 7 The names of various plants with flowers or other parts resembling a pincushion.; A pincushion cactus, of the genera Escobaria or Mammillaria.
"Alverson's pincushion cactus (Coryophantha vivipara var. alversonii), under status review by the USF&WS for possible listing as threatened or endangered, is reported to occur the along the northwest boundary of the WSA."
- 8 The names of various plants with flowers or other parts resembling a pincushion.; A pincushionplant, a flowering plant in the genus Navarretia.
"Marigold pincushion [Navarretia tagetina], however, is widespread throughout the region except along the coast. [...] In eastern Sacramento County, it grows together with downy pincushion (Navarretia pubescens) in small clearings in blue oak woodland."
- 9 A person who is pricked or stabbed multiple times with sharp objects; specifically, someone who receives regular hypodermic needle injections. colloquial, figuratively
"Insulin-dependent diabetics are human pincushions."
Verb
- 1 To jab or stick repeatedly with one or more sharp objects, as with pins into a pincushion. also, figuratively, transitive
"The target was pincushioned with arrows."
- 2 To assume the shape of a pincushion; specifically, of the image on a computer display, television, etc., to exhibit pincushion distortion, where the sides curve inwards. intransitive
"A monitor is pincushioning when the display appears to have curved sides."
Synonyms
All synonymsExample
"Mary’s cat is so sweet that I really don’t mind him curling up in my lap, but the way he insists on kneading my legs with his claws makes me feel like a pincushion."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "pincushion"?
Common synonyms include: needle cushion, pin cushion, pincushion flower, scabiosa, sewing cushion.
How do you use "pincushion" in a sentence?
Mary’s cat is so sweet that I really don’t mind him curling up in my lap, but the way he insists on kneading my legs with his claws makes me feel like a pincushion.
How do you pronounce "pincushion"?
Pronounced /ˈpɪnˌkʊʃn̩/.
Etymology
The noun is derived from pin + cushion. The verb is derived from the noun.