Pawn
/pɔːn/
Definitions
3 meaningsThe least valuable piece in the game of chess, able to move only forward, except when capturing another piece.
/pɔːn/
A chess piece
She advanced her pawn two squares to control the center of the board.
💡 Simply: In chess, a pawn is like the little soldier that moves one square at a time. It's not as powerful as the other pieces, but it can become a powerful piece if it reaches the other side of the board.
👶 For kids: In chess, a pawn is like a little soldier. It can only move one step at a time, unless it eats another piece.
More Examples
He sacrificed a pawn to open a file for his rook.
Understanding pawn structure is crucial for mastering chess.
How It's Used
"The player sacrificed a pawn to gain a better position."
"He felt like a pawn in the political game."
An item of personal property that is pledged as security for a loan, and may be forfeited if the loan is not repaid.
/pɔːn/
An object pledged as security
She was forced to pawn her jewelry due to financial hardship.
💡 Simply: When you pawn something, you're giving it to someone, like a pawnshop, in exchange for money. You get it back when you pay back the money you borrowed. It's like a temporary trade.
👶 For kids: When you pawn something, you give it to someone to hold, and they give you money. You can get it back if you pay them back.
More Examples
He got a loan by pawning his car.
The pawn shop offered a low price for the antique vase.
How It's Used
"He had to pawn his watch to pay the rent."
"During the war, many families were forced to pawn their belongings."
To deposit (an item) with a pawnbroker as security for a loan.
/pɔːn/
To pledge something as security
He pawned his watch to get some quick cash.
💡 Simply: To pawn something is to give it to a shop (pawnshop) and get money for it. You get it back when you pay back the money. It's like a short-term loan with your stuff as a guarantee.
👶 For kids: To pawn something means to give it to someone so you can borrow money, and you get it back when you pay the money back.
More Examples
She pawned her wedding ring when she lost her job.
They pawned their television to pay the bills.
How It's Used
"He pawned his guitar to cover his debts."
"The company was pawned off to a bigger corporation."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
Idioms & expressions
like a pawn
Being used or manipulated by others; having little control over one's own destiny.
"He felt like a pawn in the political game, with no real power."
pawn shop
A business that lends money on the security of personal property.
"She took the necklace to the pawn shop."
From Old French *paon*, meaning 'foot soldier,' derived from Latin *pedō*, meaning 'pedestrian' or 'foot soldier.' It evolved to refer to the least valuable piece in chess and also to the act of pledging an item as security for a loan.
The word's meaning as a chess piece predates its financial use; it has been used since the 13th century, referring to the least important part of the game.
Memory tip
Think of a foot soldier, the most vulnerable piece, but capable of significant moves forward.
Word Origin
"foot soldier"