A cylinder or spool on which thread, wire, or tape is wound; used in sewing machines, spinning, and various manufacturing processes.
From Middle French bobine, possibly from bob- (imitative of bobbing motion). The term entered English in the 16th century, referring to the cylindrical device that both spins and holds thread. The connection to 'bobbing' may reflect the spinning motion of the bobbin.
Bobbins are so essential to sewing that the word became almost invisible—but they're actually mechanical marvels that keep thread organized while it spins at incredible speeds inside your sewing machine!
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.