pinking shears

plural noun

: shears with a saw-toothed inner edge on the blades for making a zigzag cut

Examples of pinking shears in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Use pinking shears to cut through all the layers around each circle motif. Emily Vanschmus, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 Nov. 2023 Trim one long edge of each strip with pinking shears. Emily Vanschmus, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Oct. 2023 Make the Cherry Pie Using pinking shears, cut 1 ⁄2-inch-wide strips from tan felt. Bethany Kunzler, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Oct. 2021 Glue guns and pinking shears are staples of the DIY Halloween costume maker, but advanced crafters should consider elevating their game. Jolie Kerr, CNN Underscored, 20 Oct. 2020 Use pinking shears and our free printable pattern to cut look-alike holly leaves. Emily Vanschmus, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Oct. 2020

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

Word History

First Known Use

1934, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pinking shears was in 1934

Dictionary Entries Near pinking shears

Cite this Entry

“Pinking shears.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pinking%20shears. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

pinking shears

noun plural
: dressmaking shears that make a zigzag cut
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!