What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
needle
Example
She threaded the needle and began to sew the patch onto her jacket. [needle: noun]
Example
The nurse inserted the needle into his arm to draw blood for testing. [needle: noun]
Example
The pine tree had long needles that covered its branches. [needles: plural noun]
pin
Example
She used a pin to hold the hem of her dress in place while she sewed it. [pin: noun]
Example
She wore a beautiful brooch pin on her blouse. [pin: noun]
Example
He inserted the key into the lock and turned it to release the pin. [pin: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Pin is more commonly used than needle in everyday language. Pin is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while needle is less common and mainly used in sewing or medical contexts.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between needle and pin?
Both needle and pin are generally associated with an informal tone. However, needle may be considered more formal when used in a medical context, while pin may be considered more casual when used in a fashion or decorative context.
