pinhole

noun

pin·​hole ˈpin-ˌhōl How to pronounce pinhole (audio)
: a small hole made by, for, or as if by a pin

Examples of pinhole in a Sentence

The water was leaking through a pinhole in the pipe. pinholes in a bedsheet will look like stars if you shine a light from behind it
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
When viewed from the inside, the light shining through 692 pinholes replicated the Chicago night sky. Martin Bush, Space.com, 5 July 2025 There is bran in the sachet for feeder mites to feed on, and a pinhole for the predatory mites to climb out and disperse. Rita Perwich, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 July 2025 Roku’s advancements in remote technology over the last 15 years are visually subtle, and include a volume rocker and mute button on the right edge and a pinhole microphone near the top for voice control. PC Magazine, 6 May 2025 Menu and power buttons are above the pad, along with a pinhole microphone. PCMAG, 6 Nov. 2024 See All Example Sentences for pinhole

Word History

First Known Use

1612, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pinhole was in 1612

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pinhole.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pinhole. Accessed 21 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

pinhole

noun
pin·​hole -ˌhōl How to pronounce pinhole (audio)
: a very small hole made by or as if by a pin
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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