spilla
/ˈspil.la/feminine
The Italian word for brooch is spilla.
The word spilla refers to a piece of jewellery with pin (noun).
Meaning: jewellery with pin (noun)
Is it said differently in some regions?
The form spilla is marked as regional.
How does it change in a sentence?
spilla is a feminine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has two syllables, with the stress on the first syllable. It is pronounced /ˈspil.la/.
Did you know?
- The common Italian safety pin is known as a spilla da balia, which literally translates to a 'wet nurse's pin'.
- While spilla describes the object, the Italian verb for pinning something is spillare, which can also mean 'to bleed' in certain contexts.
- The word spilla is a diminutive of the Latin word spīna, meaning it literally translates as a 'little thorn'.
Examples in context
- È una bella spilla.That's a nice brooch.This sentence is useful for describing a brooch using the word spilla.Tatoeba #7271038 by Guybrush88, translation #3160029 by Hybrid
- Indossa una spilla.She wears a brooch.Tatoeba #10451593 by Guybrush88, translation #10175694 by ddnktr
- Vorrei comprare una bella spilla per il mio vestito nuovo.I would like to buy a beautiful brooch for my new dress.
- Ho ricevuto una spilla come regalo da mia nonna.I received a brooch as a gift from my grandmother.
- Hai visto quella spilletta brillante sul suo cappotto?Did you see that shiny brooch on her coat?
- Questa spilla d'argento è antica.This silver brooch is antique.
Example conversation
Sofia is showing a piece of jewelry to Alessandro in a shop.
- AlessandroChe bella spilla, Sofia!What a beautiful brooch, Sofia!
- SofiaGrazie, l'ho comprata oggi.Thank you, I bought it today.
- AlessandroTi sta molto bene.It suits you very well.
- SofiaSì, sono molto contenta.Yes, I am very happy.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “brooch” translations and entries spilla, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries spilla, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
