What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
pirn
Example
She wound the thread onto the pirn before starting to weave. [pirn: noun]
Example
The weaver used a pirn to hold the yarn while working on the loom. [pirn: noun]
spool
Example
He wound the wire onto the spool before connecting it to the circuit. [spool: noun]
Example
She caught a fish and reeled it in on the spool. [spool: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Spool is more commonly used than pirn in everyday language. Spool is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while pirn is less common and refers specifically to a bobbin used in weaving or spinning.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between pirn and spool?
Both pirn and spool are associated with traditional crafts and hobbies, making them more informal in tone. However, spool is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.