bobbin

noun

bob·​bin ˈbä-bən 

1

a

: a cylinder or spindle on which yarn or thread is wound (as in a sewing machine)

b

: any of various small round devices on which threads are wound for working handmade lace

c

: a coil of insulated wire

also : the reel it is wound on

2

: a cotton cord formerly used by dressmakers for piping

Examples of bobbin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Downstairs, the inviting bar and lobby area was divided up with rattan screens, and the seating areas filled with bobbin tables and chairs whose lengthy tassels ticked the floor. —Vogue, 8 July 2024

This particular piece comes from Chanel’s newest line of artistic craft watches inspired by Coco Chanel’s atelier and the tools used to make her iconic garments—such as the bobbin, of course. —Cait Bazemore, Robb Report, 6 May 2024

It’s designed to look like a giant spool of thread, which is cute on its own, but remove the lid to stash bobbins, pins, and cushions. —Lizzy Briskin, Peoplemag, 3 May 2024

Wooden artifacts included boxes and bowls carved from willow, alder and maple, 40 bobbins, many with threads still attached, various tools, and 15 wooden buckets. —Katie Hunt, CNN, 20 Mar. 2024

Word History

Etymology

origin unknown

First Known Use

1530, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

bobbin

noun

bob·​bin ˈbäb-ən 

: a spool or spindle on which yarn or thread is wound (as in a sewing machine)