What does pinned mean?
Pinned means fastened or held firmly in place, usually with a pin or comparable device. It can describe a photograph attached to a board, a door kept shut with a bolt, or a loose object secured against movement. Figuratively, pinned refers to people, decisions, prices, or plans that are fixed, restricted, or unable to change. The expression “pinned down” commonly means made definite or brought to an agreement, while “stay pinned” may describe being forced to remain in one place or situation. Pinned is the past participle and past tense of “pin” and is used widely in British and American English. Its basic meaning is physical, but the figurative sense of being held in place by circumstances, obligations, or uncertainty is especially frequent in modern usage.
Fastened or held in place; fixed, restricted, or unable to move or change.
"The prisoner remained pinned to the floor by the heavy chains."
The figurative senses are common in expressions such as “pinned down” and “pinned in place.”
Fasten with a pin or similar device; hold or restrict in a fixed position.
"She pinned the fabric to the table before cutting it."
This is the past tense and past participle of pin; it can also mean to limit someone’s movement or options.
Pinned can describe anything held firmly in place—and, figuratively, a person or plan that cannot move or change.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does pinned come from?
Pinned is the past tense and past participle of pin, a verb attested in Old English in senses connected with fastening or piercing. The word developed into the modern verb meaning to fasten with a pin and later broadened to include securing with a similar device. Related English forms include pincushion and pinwheel, while pinnacle comes through French and Latin from a different but historically associated development involving the idea of a projecting point or feather.
How pinned is actually used
The word is common in both formal and informal English. Its figurative uses often suggest immobility, limitation, or a firm commitment.
Easily confused with pinned
Pinned means fastened or fixed in place, whereas pined means suffered a longing or grief.