PINCUSHION

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does pincushion mean? 

• PINCUSHION (noun)
  The noun PINCUSHION has 1 sense:

1. a small stiff cushion into which pins are stuck ready for use

  Familiarity information: PINCUSHION used as a noun is very rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• PINCUSHION (noun)

Sense 1

Meaning:

A small stiff cushion into which pins are stuck ready for use

Classified under:

Nouns denoting man-made objects

Hypernyms ("pincushion" is a kind of...):

cushion (a soft bag filled with air or a mass of padding such as feathers or foam rubber etc.)

 Context examples 

Bless the Baby! exclaimed Miss Betsey, unconsciously quoting the second sentiment of the pincushion in the drawer upstairs, but applying it to my mother instead of me, I don't mean that.

(David Copperfield, by Charles Dickens)

But it won't be easy, for it is a dreadful disappointment, and poor Jo bedewed the little fat pincushion she held with several very bitter tears.

(Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott)

Having laid in the materials for a bowl of punch, to be compounded by Mr. Micawber; having provided a bottle of lavender-water, two wax-candles, a paper of mixed pins, and a pincushion, to assist Mrs. Micawber in her toilette at my dressing-table; having also caused the fire in my bedroom to be lighted for Mrs. Micawber's convenience; and having laid the cloth with my own hands, I awaited the result with composure.

(David Copperfield, by Charles Dickens)