Before we dive deeper into this pen vs pin article, do you think these words have anything in common? Are there contexts where you can use these words interchangeably or as synonyms? It’ll be exciting to know.
Pen and pin are words with multiple proper definitions and applications. A pen is an enclosed area used for containing domesticated animals. It also refers to a tool for writing. In contrast, a pin is a needle without an eye or a small nail with a head and sharp point.
Pen and pin are popular English words. However, have you ever thought about what these words mean beyond what you know? Read the rest of this article for further information about these words.
Definitions Of Pen And Pin
Pen and pin are correctly spelled English words. Here are their definitions:
Definitions Of Pen
A pen (noun) is an enclosed area used for containing domesticated animals like cattle and sheep. This word also refers to a device to write with. Also, a device to draw ink or some liquid with, like it’s the case with a fountain pen.
Another source defines a pen as “a removable penpoint you fill with ink.” You can also refer to such a penpoint with its pen holder as a pen.
A simpler definition of a pen is “an instrument for writing or authorship.” Also, “a person’s style or quality of writing.”
A pen also refers to “the profession of writing.” For example, “Jimmy is a master of the pen.”
In medicine, a pen is “a pen-shaped device with a cartridge filled with a drug or medication.” For example, an insulin pen.
In zoology, a pen is an internal, feather-shaped, or corneous structure in certain cephalopods, such as squid or the internal shell of a squid.
Other Definitions Of Pen
- A female swan is also referred to as a pen.
- The slang definition of a pen is “a prison cell.”
- As a verb, to pen means “to write with a pen or put down in writing.” For example, to pen an article.
- The verb pen also means “to draw with a pen.” For example, to pen a sketch.
- Another meaning is “to shut up or confine in a small enclosure or narrow space.” For example, to pen cattle.
Definitions Of Pin
A pin is a steel made sewing needle that lacks an eye. It has one sharp end and the other end is either round or designed in a unique way but remains blunt. In simpler words, it is “a small nail with a head and a sharp point.”
Another definition of a pin is “a cylinder made of wood or metal used to fasten or as a bearing between two points.” For example, a grenade’s pin.
Also, a pin is an item fixed on attire with a fastener. Such pins have custom features like messages, logos, and designs.
In wrestling, pin means “to hold your opponents on the ground or a mat for a limited duration before claiming a win.” In sports, a pin is “an item used to play specific games such as bowling and skittles.”
In chess, a pin is “a scenario where moving a lesser piece to escape from an attack exposes a more valuable piece to attack.”
Other Meanings of Pin
- A pin is a piece of jewelry attached to clothing as a decoration or fastening element.
- In golf, a pin is a flagstick or flag-bearing pole that marks a hole’s location. In bowling, a pin refers to “the targets in a game.” Bowling pins vary based on the game you play.”
- In electricity, a pin is “any of the individual elements connecting multiple electrical connectors.”
- In digital technology, a pin is a photo or link bookmarked on a mobile application, website, or Pinterest.
- A pin is also “the part of a cylindrical key stem that enters a lock.”
As a verb, the word pin means:
- To fasten or attach using a pin (for example, to pin clothes together.)
- To hold fast in a position or spot (for example, to pin an opponent down.)
- To fix or mount with a pin
- To secure a fall over an opponent (in wrestling)
- To immobilize with your chess tactics
- To bookmark (in a website or application)
- To fix at the top of a feed (a social media post)
How To Properly Use Pen And Pin In A Sentence
These words have numerous definitions. Therefore, you can use them in various contexts. Here are some guidelines:
How To Use The Word Pen
You can use this word as a verb or a noun. Use it as a noun to refer to:
- An instrument for writing
- The occupation of writing
- A given style of writing
- An enclosure for domesticated animals
- A confinement place for prisoners
- A writer
- A pigsty or dirty place
Use it as a verb in the following contexts:
- To confine within an enclosure
- To put down in writing
- To write or draw with a pen
- To hold captive
- To communicate in writing
How To Use The Word Pin
You can use this word as a noun to refer to:
- A thin piece of metal with a sharp point and head for fastening items together
- A brooch or badge
- A hair fastener
- A hook for fastening things together
There are several other contexts where you can use this word. Consider the definitions above to determine where and how to use this sentence. Also, use this word as a verb, as the definitions section explains.
Pen Vs Pin: Main Differences
These are different but correct words. First, the definitions section explains the multiple definitions of these words. There are many definitions of each word, none of which are similar, showing extensive differences. Here are more differences:
Pronunciation
The right way to say “pen” is “/pen/,” while the right way to pronounce “pin” is “/pin/.” However, both words are monosyllables.
History And Etymology
Besides their definitions and spellings, you can tell the differences between these words from their etymology. The word pen comes from the Late 13th century word “penne,” meaning “writing device made from the hard hollow stem at a feather’s base.” It also has French and Old Latin roots.
In contrast, the word pin comes from the Late Old English word “pinn,” meaning “peg or bolt of wood for fastening things together.” This word also has Middle Dutch and Old German roots.
List Of Examples Of Pen And Pin Use In Sentences
You can use these words easily in sentences. Check out the examples below:
Example sentences of the word pen
- The farmer asked his workers to clean the cattle pen.
- Jimmy refused to lend his pen to Michael.
- The school hired Cathy to pen an article about their founder.
- The pen dripped black ink on his shirt.
- The chickens were happy in their pen.
Example sentences of the word pin
- The party-goers played “pin the tail on the donkey” for most of the night.
- The candidate wore the campaign pin even after he lost the elections.
- The LGBTQ pin caused Micah to get fired.
- The tailor will pin the two pieces of cloth together using a robust fastener.
- I will not share my pin with my sister.
Word Vs Word Posts
Conclusion
Pin and pen are different words with separate meanings. Their link comes when you use them in phrases like “dog pen” and “dog pin” or “pin down” and “pen down.” Besides this, these words are simple and have several different definitions. Keep constructing sentences using these words to master their usage.
Shawn Manaher is the founder and CEO of The Content Authority. He’s one part content manager, one part writing ninja organizer, and two parts leader of top content creators. You don’t even want to know what he calls pancakes.