bodkin

noun

bod·​kin ˈbäd-kən How to pronounce bodkin (audio)
1
b
: a sharp slender instrument for making holes in cloth
c
: an ornamental hairpin shaped like a stiletto
2
: a blunt needle with a large eye for drawing tape or ribbon through a loop or hem

Examples of bodkin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Icke also occasionally cues up some Bob Dylan songs, chosen for their on-the-bodkin lyrics. Helen Shaw, Vulture, 30 June 2022 Punishment for cursing or disparaging a clergyman was having a bodkin — a large needle — driven through the tongue. Michael E. Ruane, Washington Post, 27 Oct. 2017

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'bodkin.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English bodekin

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of bodkin was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near bodkin

Cite this Entry

“Bodkin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bodkin. Accessed 25 Apr. 2024.

Kids Definition

bodkin

noun
bod·​kin ˈbäd-kən How to pronounce bodkin (audio)
1
b
: a sharp slender instrument for making holes in cloth
2
: a blunt needle with a large eye for drawing tape or ribbon through a loop or hem

More from Merriam-Webster on bodkin

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