Pinks: meaning, definitions and examples

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pinks

 

[ pɪŋks ]

Noun / Verb
Context #1 | Noun

color category

Pinks refer to a range of colors that are lighter shades of red. They are associated with various flowers, particularly those in the genus Dianthus, known for their frilled petals. The color pink is often associated with warmth, love, and softness.

Synonyms

blush, fuchsia, rose

Examples of usage

  • She wore a beautiful pink dress to the party.
  • The room was painted in soft pink tones.
  • They decorated the garden with pink flowers.
Context #2 | Verb

to puncture

To pink means to make small holes in something, often for decorative purposes. This term is frequently used in relation to fabric or in pattern-making. The action itself can also refer to a specific technique in sewing.

Synonyms

perforate, pierce, punch

Examples of usage

  • She decided to pink the edges of the fabric.
  • The artisan carefully pinked the leather.
  • You can pink the edges to avoid fraying.

Etymology

The word 'pinks' has its origins in the late 14th century, deriving from the Middle English term 'pincken', which means to puncture or pierce. It is also associated with the flower 'pinks', which was named for its fringed or notched petals that resemble a pinking shear cut. The color pink itself became popular in the 17th century as a descriptor for a light red hue, and its usage expanded over time to signify various shades within the red spectrum. In floral terms, 'pinks' refers to the various species within the Dianthus genus, known for their carnation-like scent and beauty. This led to the duality of the word, representing both color and floral characteristics.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #25,431, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.