epingle: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal and technical; everyday for the basic object.
Quick answer
What does “epingle” mean?
A slender, sharply-pointed pin used for fastening materials, especially fabrics.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A slender, sharply-pointed pin used for fastening materials, especially fabrics.
1) A hairpin. 2) In skiing and climbing, a technique where the knees are drawn tightly together to aid balance or control. 3) In fashion, a style or silhouette that is very slender and form-fitting, like a pencil skirt.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No major difference in meaning for the core object. The word 'hairpin' is more common than 'epingle' for hair in both varieties. The skiing term 'epingle' is more likely in European English contexts.
Connotations
In British fashion contexts, 'epingle' might be used more deliberately for a specific, elegant style (e.g., 'epingle skirt'). In American English, 'straight skirt' or 'pencil skirt' is more typical.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in UK English, especially in fashion writing. The basic object is understood but not a high-frequency word in everyday conversation in either variety.
Grammar
How to Use “epingle” in a Sentence
to pin sth with an epingleto fasten sth with an epingleto be shaped like an epingleVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “epingle” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- She carefully epingled the pattern to the fabric before cutting.
American English
- She pinned the fabric with an epingle to hold it in place.
adverb
British English
- The skier held her position epingle-straight down the slalom.
American English
- He stood epingle-still, waiting for the signal.
adjective
British English
- The model wore an elegant, epingle-slim dress.
American English
- She has an epingle-thin build, perfect for that style.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in fashion retail ('epingle tailoring').
Academic
In historical or fashion studies discussing garment construction.
Everyday
Primarily in sewing or craft contexts.
Technical
In skiing/climbing manuals describing technique; in dressmaking patterns.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “epingle”
- Using 'epingle' to mean a safety pin. Pronouncing it as 'ee-ping-gull'. Using it as a general synonym for any fastener.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Essentially yes, but it specifically denotes a slender, straight dressmaker's pin, not a safety pin or brooch. It carries connotations of fineness and precision.
In British English, it's often /eɪˈpæ̃ɡl/, approximating the French. In American English, it's commonly anglicized to /eɪpɪnˈɡleɪ/ (ay-pin-GLAY).
Yes, though it's rare. It means to fasten or secure something with such a pin, similar to 'pin'. It's more likely in fashion/dressmaking contexts.
An 'epingle' is primarily a dressmaker's pin. A 'hairpin' is specifically for hair. While 'epingle' can sometimes mean a hairpin, this usage is less common in English; 'hairpin' is the standard term.
A slender, sharply-pointed pin used for fastening materials, especially fabrics.
Epingle is usually formal and technical; everyday for the basic object. in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “As sharp as an epingle”
- “To be on epingles (être sur des epingles) - to be on tenterhooks/edge (from French, used in some English contexts).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a tall, elegant PIN (epingle) wearing a French beret - 'Epi' sounds like 'A' and 'Pin', with a fancy French '-gle' ending.
Conceptual Metaphor
SLENDERNESS IS AN EPINGLE (e.g., 'She had an epingle figure').
Practice
Quiz
In a skiing context, what does 'epingle' primarily refer to?