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Pawn Definition & Meaning

pawn
noun
  1. an article deposited as security
  2. a person used by another to gain an end
  3. (chess) the least powerful piece; moves only forward and captures only to the side; it can be promoted to a more powerful piece if it reaches the 8th rank
  4. borrowing and leaving an article as security for repayment of the loan
verb
  1. leave as a guarantee in return for money; "pawn your grandfather's gold watch"

"Pawn" in song lyrics

See how pawn is used in real songs:

  • "who steps in my zone and get clapped like a pawn"
    Al' Tariq f/ Psycho Les — Peace Akki
  • "i think them rings that i stole im bout ready to pawn"
    Dre Dog — Even Pimps Get Broken Hearts
  • "Step into the eye of the storm, survive as pawn"
    Blackalicious — Brain Washers

Usage tips for "pawn"

Understanding the precise definition of a word helps you use it with confidence. When using "pawn" in your writing, consider whether you need the word itself or one of its synonyms — subtle differences in meaning can change the tone of a sentence. If you're writing poetry or song lyrics, check the rhymes for pawn to find words that pair well.

Use "pawn" in a verse

Now that you know what "pawn" means, try using it in your own lyrics:

Generate a verse

Frequently asked questions

What does pawn mean?
an article deposited as security a person used by another to gain an end (chess) the least powerful piece; moves only forward and captures only to the side; it can be promoted to a more powerful piece if it reaches the 8th rank borrowing and leaving an article as security for repayment of the loan leave as a guarantee in return for money; "pawn your grandfather's gold watch"
What part of speech is pawn?
Pawn is a noun and a verb.
How many definitions does pawn have?
Pawn has 5 definitions across 2 parts of speech (noun, verb).

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