SINCE 1828

An Encyclopædia Britannica Company

pinweed

noun pin·weed \ ˈpin-ˌwēd \

Definition of pinweed

: any of a genus (Lechea) of herbs of the rockrose family with slender stems, many small leaves, and tiny flowers

First Known Use of pinweed

1814

Learn More about pinweed

See words that rhyme with pinweed

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up pinweed? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show

WORD OF THE DAY

traduce

play

to lower or disgrace the reputation of

Words at Play

Words from Letters in the Greek Alphabet

When English borrows from another alphabet

alt-5ada140ed3e28

'Preventive' or 'Preventative'?

alt-5ad8fc71357ed

Words We're Watching: 'Bluebeard,' the Verb

No, it's not a coiffure trend

alt-5ad8d3361fb97

Where 'Cliff-hangers' Come From

You're on the edge of your seat

Ask the Editors

2017 Word of the Year: Behind the Scenes

How we chose 'feminism'

video-title-words-of-the-year-1066

Words of the Year: 1066

Or, Why Pig Meat is Called 'Pork' and Cow Meat is Called 'Beef'

video-literally

Literally

How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.

video-his-or-her

Is Singular 'They' a Better Choice?

The awkward case of 'his or her'

Word Games

Odd Habits and Quirks Quiz

Test your knowledge of strange human behaviors.

Take the quiz

cats-on-impossible-timber

More Confusing Words—Quiz

How many of these commonly confused words do you know?

Take the quiz

True or False?

Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something along the way.

Take the quiz

Word Winder's CrossWinder

Word Winder's CrossWinder

A game of winding words.

Play the game