pinhead

noun

pin·​head ˈpin-ˌhed How to pronounce pinhead (audio)
1
: the head of a pin
2
: something very small or insignificant
3
: a very dull or stupid person : fool

Examples of pinhead in a Sentence

The insect is the size of a pinhead. Her boss is a real pinhead.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Exposure to as much as a pinhead of the substance will lead to death in 36 to 72 hours. Michael Loria, USA TODAY, 8 Mar. 2025 Regarding the expressionless eyes, 500 black pins were sourced to find a pinhead the right size, with the team carefully measuring each one. Alex Ritman, Variety, 9 Jan. 2025 Exposure to as little as a pinhead amount of ricin can cause death. Fox News, 7 Nov. 2024 To get some scale for the image, their dazzling red caps are just the size of a pinhead. New Atlas, 16 July 2024 See All Example Sentences for pinhead

Word History

First Known Use

1593, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of pinhead was in 1593

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pinhead.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pinhead. Accessed 21 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

pinhead

noun
pin·​head ˈpin-ˌhed How to pronounce pinhead (audio)
1
: the head of a pin
2
: a very dull or stupid person : fool
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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