pinhole

noun

pin·​hole ˈpin-ˌhōl 

: a small hole made by, for, or as if by a pin

Synonyms of pinhole

• puncture
• slit

Examples of pinhole in a Sentence

The water was leaking through a pinhole in the pipe.

pinholes in a bedsheet will look like stars if you shine a light from behind it

Recent Examples on the Web

Options include properly filtered solar eclipse glasses, a safe handheld solar viewer and a pinhole projector (learn how to make one on NASA's website). — Mike Snider, USA Today, 12 Aug. 2026

Special eclipse glasses or pinhole projectors are required to safely view solar eclipses and prevent eye damage. — Raf Sanchez, NBC news, 12 Aug. 2026

Even the gaps between leaves on a tree can act as natural pinholes, projecting tiny images of the partially eclipsed sun onto the ground. — Michael D'estries, Travel + Leisure, 11 Aug. 2026

People can see projections of the eclipse using a tool like a pinhole projector with a small opening or colander, showing shadows of the eclipse on the ground. — Grace Zokovitch, Boston Herald, 9 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1612, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

pinhole

noun

pin·​hole -ˌhōl 

: a very small hole made by or as if by a pin