bodkin
To pierce or stab something with a sharp, pointed instrument. It can also refer to the act of squeezing or wedging a person or thing between two others, often in a restricted space.
Examples
3 of 5The seamstress had to bodkin the thick fabric to create a path for the heavy cord.
The seamstress had to pierce the thick fabric to create a path for the heavy cord.
In the historical account, the assassin attempted to bodkin the guard through the gaps in his armor.
In the historical account, the assassin attempted to stab the guard through the gaps in his armor.
We managed to bodkin Jerry into the middle of the back seat for the long drive.
We managed to squeeze Jerry into the middle of the back seat for the long drive.
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of a 'body' being 'pinned' or squeezed—'bod-kin'—between two others in a car.
Quick Quiz
With no seats left in the van, I had to ___ between my two cousins for the entire trip.
Correct!
The correct answer is: bodkin
Examples
The seamstress had to bodkin the thick fabric to create a path for the heavy cord.
everydayThe seamstress had to pierce the thick fabric to create a path for the heavy cord.
In the historical account, the assassin attempted to bodkin the guard through the gaps in his armor.
formalIn the historical account, the assassin attempted to stab the guard through the gaps in his armor.
We managed to bodkin Jerry into the middle of the back seat for the long drive.
informalWe managed to squeeze Jerry into the middle of the back seat for the long drive.
Literature students often analyze Hamlet's contemplation of whether to bodkin himself to end his suffering.
academicLiterature students often analyze Hamlet's contemplation of whether to stab himself to end his suffering.
The project manager tried to bodkin one last presentation into the already overflowing conference schedule.
businessThe project manager tried to squeeze one last presentation into the already overflowing conference schedule.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
ride bodkin
To travel in a carriage or car wedged between two other people.
a bare bodkin
An unsheathed dagger (famously used in Shakespeare's Hamlet).
to sit bodkin
To be the person squeezed into the middle of a seat.
Often Confused With
A napkin is a piece of cloth used for wiping lips, while a bodkin is a sharp tool or the act of squeezing.
A Bedouin is a nomadic Arab of the desert, which sounds phonetically similar but is unrelated.
Usage Notes
While 'bodkin' is most commonly used as a noun for a small tool or dagger, using it as a verb is largely literary or archaic. In modern contexts, it almost exclusively refers to 'sitting bodkin' (squeezing between two people).
Common Mistakes
Learners often mistake 'bodkin' for a type of clothing because it sounds similar to 'bodice.' Note that it always involves piercing or squeezing.
Memory Tip
Think of a 'body' being 'pinned' or squeezed—'bod-kin'—between two others in a car.
Word Origin
Middle English 'boydekin,' which likely referred to a small dagger, possibly of Celtic origin.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
The word is famous in English literature due to Shakespeare’s 'Hamlet,' where a 'bare bodkin' represents a simple tool used for a grave purpose.
Quick Quiz
With no seats left in the van, I had to ___ between my two cousins for the entire trip.
Correct!
The correct answer is: bodkin
Related Words
overall
B2Describing the total or general nature of something when all parts or factors are considered together. It refers to the whole of a situation rather than specific details or individual components.
overlap
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overseas
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panel
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parameter
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passive
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persist
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portion
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B2To present or constitute a problem, danger, or challenge that needs to be addressed. It also refers to the physical act of assuming a specific position for a photograph, painting, or artistic work.
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