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Definition of pinup

pinup

/ˈpɪn.ʌp/
pin · up

Plural:pinups
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pinup Lexical Profile

pinup Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A poster or photograph of an attractive, glamorous model or celebrity intended to be pinned up on a wall for display.

Example

"Vintage magazine pinups from the 1940s are now highly sought-after collectibles among pop culture historians."


2

An attractive model, actor, or celebrity whose pictures are widely reproduced and displayed on posters or in magazines.

Example

"Through her iconic film roles and publicity portraits, the actress quickly became a famous mid-century pinup."

Synonyms
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• adjective

1

Relating to, suitable for, or characteristic of a glamorous model or popular celebrity featured in posters and magazines, especially in a vintage mid-twentieth-century style.

Example

"The fashion designer drew inspiration from classic 1950s pinup photography for her new summer collection."

Synonyms
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Word Origin & Etymology

First recorded in the early 1940s during World War II, the term derives from the phrasal verb "pin up," referring to photographs of glamorous models and actresses that soldiers pinned to wall boards or barracks lockers.

Cite this Entry


Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Pinup. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/pinup
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