paper clip

noun

: a length of wire bent into flat loops that is used to hold papers together

Examples of paper clip in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web This custom coaster is undoubtedly unique, as each one can be customized with different designs, including common school supplies like paper clips, crayons, eraser caps, and other more. Moriah Mason, Southern Living, 9 Nov. 2023 Think: fun Post-Its, pens and colorful paper clips. Laura Fenton, wsj.com, 7 Oct. 2023 Unfold and glue the two end pieces together to form a bell (use a paper clip to hold the pieces together until the glue dries). Emily Vanschmus, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 Nov. 2023 Ross-Simons gold paper clip link bracelet A chic gold bracelet is an easy way to update your everyday jewelry, and this classic paperclip chain makes the perfect addition to any wardrobe. Laura Jackson, Vogue, 10 Oct. 2023 How to get a drawstring back into clothes Grab a paper clip or safety pin. Maryal Miller Carter, USA TODAY, 1 May 2023 At one point, Lewis discusses how a partially straightened paper clip could be used to open the paper lid on the Tylenol box and then remove the cotton ball from inside the bottle without damaging the packaging and without leaving fingerprints or DNA. Christy Gutowski, Chicago Tribune, 9 Aug. 2023 Fiona Eberhardt, Alaska Volcano Observatory. Turns out those paper clips add up fast. Erik Klemetti, Discover Magazine, 27 July 2023 Matchsticks are the bars of fire escapes, a pushpin is a light bulb, a paper clip fixed just right to a Popsicle stick end is a padlock, plastic beads are wheels on a dumpster. Liza Weisstuch, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'paper clip.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1851, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of paper clip was in 1851

Dictionary Entries Near paper clip

Cite this Entry

“Paper clip.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/paper%20clip. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

paper clip

noun
: a length of wire bent into flat loops that is used to hold papers together
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