What does pushpin mean?
A pushpin is a short, sharp pin with a broad, usually flat head that is pushed through paper or another light object into a wall, corkboard, or similar surface. Its broad head keeps the item from slipping off while its pointed shaft secures it in place. The word is chiefly used in American English; in British English, “drawing pin” is the usual equivalent, although “thumbtack” is also widely understood. Pushpins are commonly used to display photographs, notes, maps, and other lightweight materials in offices, classrooms, homes, and exhibitions. “Pushpin” can also be used as a verb, as in “They pushpinned the notices to the board,” though the noun is much more common. The expression conveys the practical action of pushing a pin into place and is also associated with information displays and collaborative or investigative boards covered with notes and images.
A short pin with a sharp point and a broad head, used to attach paper or another lightweight object to a wall, board, or similar surface.
"The map was displayed using a pushpin."
Chiefly American English; British English generally prefers “drawing pin.”
To fasten something to a surface by pushing a pushpin through it.
"They pushpinned the photographs to the noticeboard."
Less common than the noun and usually restricted to attaching lightweight items to a board or wall.
The regular plural of the noun is “pushpins.”
"She removed the pushpins from the board."
A pushpin turns a sharp point and a broad head into one of the simplest ways to pin a message to the world.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does pushpin come from?
“Pushpin” is an English compound formed from “push” and “pin,” describing a pin that is pushed into a surface. The compound is attested from the 19th century and is especially associated with American usage. Its components also underpin related English forms such as “pushcart,” “pushchair,” and “pushover.”
Related word forms
How pushpin is actually used
The word is most common in American English. British speakers more often say “drawing pin” or “thumbtack.” As a verb, “pushpin” is less common than the noun and is mainly used for notes, photographs, and other lightweight objects attached to a board.