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Hairpin

Jewellery
Pronunciation

Understanding ARPABET Pronunciation

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The pronunciation guide uses the ARPABET phonetic system—the same system used in speech recognition and text-to-speech applications.

Vowel Examples:
AE1 = cat, bat
EH1 = bed, head
IY1 = see, me
OW1 = go, boat
UW1 = boot, do
Stress Numbers:
0 = no stress (unstressed)
1 = primary stress (loud)
2 = secondary stress (medium)
Example:
AH0 TH IY1 N AH0
= a-THEE-na (Athena)

The stressed syllable (marked with 1) is pronounced louder and clearer than others.

Quick Definition

An ornamental pin used to secure hair in place. It may be plain or topped with pearls, flowers, or gems.

Detailed Definition
A hairpin is a slender fastening placed in the hair, often made decorative with a carved head, a pearl, a flower, or a small jewel. In poetry, it can be an intimate object, discovered on a pillow, caught in a comb, or left behind after departure. Removing a hairpin may signal relaxation, seduction, grief, or rebellion against formality. Its smallness allows it to carry a large emotional charge in a remembered scene.
Example
Example in poetry:
She drew a hairpin from her braid, and her hair fell like rain; A hairpin can create a turning point when a formal appearance suddenly loosens; In a quiet domestic poem, a plain hairpin may preserve the presence of an absent mother; The poet compares a hairpin to a small needle holding together the day's composure
Additional Notes
A hairpin is a small securing object that may become intimate imagery: it holds hair in place while its pearl or gem tip adds private elegance.
Also Known As
Hair Pin
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