pin

²pin

verb

pinnedpin·ning

Definition of PIN

transitive verb

1

a : to fasten, join, or secure with a pin b : to hold fast or immobile c : to present (a young woman) with a fraternity pin as a pledge of affection

2

a : fasten <pinned his hopes on a miracle> <pin the blame on someone else> b : to assign the blame or responsibility for <pin the robbery on a night watchman> c : to define or determine clearly or precisely —usually used with down <it is hard to pin down exactly when things changed — Katharine Whittemore>

3

a : to make (a chess opponent's piece) unable to move without exposing the king to check or a valuable piece to capture b of a wrestler : to secure a fall over (an opponent)

Examples of PIN

1. She pinned a rose to her dress.
2. The general pinned the medal on the soldier.
3. She pinned up her hair.
4. He pinned a sign on the wall.
5. The passengers were pinned under the wreckage.
6. The guards pinned his arms to his sides.
7. She was pinned against the side of the car.

First Known Use of PIN

14th century