Hairpin Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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hairpin

[ˈherˌpɪn ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

accessory

A thin piece of metal that is bent into a U-shape and used to hold a woman's hair in place.

Synonyms

bobby pin, hair clip, hair grip.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
hairpin	Hairpins are typically used to secure bun hairstyles or to keep sections of hair in place. They are usually U-shaped and can sometimes be decorative. She used a hairpin to secure her bun during the dance performance
bobby pin	Bobby pins are versatile, flat, narrow pins used for everyday hair styling. They are commonly used to hold stray hairs in place and can also be used in more intricate hairstyles. He slipped a few bobby pins into his bag to keep his hair neat while traveling
hair clip	Hair clips refer to a broad category of hair accessories that snap, slide, or clamp into place. They can range from simple barrettes to decorative clips for special occasions. She wore a sparkly hair clip to match her festive outfit
hair grip	Hair grips are small devices used to keep hair sections in place, similar to bobby pins but often found in various longer lengths. They have stronger grips and are useful for firmly securing thicker or bulkier hairstyles. She relied on hair grips to keep her elaborate updo intact all day

Examples of usage

She used a hairpin to keep her hair up in a bun.
The hairpin was decorated with small pearls.
She lost her favorite hairpin.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

road

A sharp bend in a road that goes back in the direction it came from.

Synonyms

hairpin bend, hairpin curve, hairpin turn.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
hairpin	Typically refers to a small device used for holding hair in place. Commonly found in conversations about hair styling or fashion accessories. She used a hairpin to secure her bun. The antique hairpin was decorated with tiny beads.
hairpin curve	Another term for a sharp curve in the road. Like 'hairpin bend', it refers to the shape and is often used when discussing driving, road design, or geographical features. Drivers need to be cautious when approaching a hairpin curve. The cyclist lost control on the steep hairpin curve.
hairpin bend	Describes a sharp bend in the road that turns back in the opposite direction, resembling the shape of a hairpin. Often used in discussions about driving, road conditions, or racing. The mountain road had several dangerous hairpin bends. He slowed down the car to navigate the hairpin bend safely.
hairpin turn	Specifically emphasizes a sharp turn on a road. Commonly used in discussions about driving, maps, or instructions on how to reach a destination. It is often perceived as a challenging turn for drivers. The bus driver navigated the hairpin turn with great skill. Be prepared for a hairpin turn after the third mile.

Examples of usage

The car skidded on the hairpin turn.
The mountain road had many hairpin bends.
He had to slow down for the hairpin curve.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'hairpin'

The term 'hairpin' originated in the early 19th century, combining 'hair' and 'pin'. It initially referred to a pin used to fasten hair in place, evolving to also describe the sharp bends in roads resembling the shape of a hairpin. The usage has since expanded to encompass various meanings in different contexts.