carabiner

American  

[kar-uh-bee-ner] / ˌkær əˈbi nər /

Or karabiner

noun

1. a D -shaped ring with a spring catch on one side, used for fastening ropes in mountaineering.

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carabiner British  

/ ˌkærəˈbiːnə /

noun

1. a variant spelling of karabiner

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Usage

What does carabiner mean? A carabiner is a closed hook used to secure ropes, especially in mountain climbing. Carabiners consist of a D-shaped metal frame, about the size of your palm, with one side that opens using a spring-loaded mechanism called a springlock. Carabiners are used to easily clip ropes to harnesses or other hooks, such as in mountaineering. Example: Before you start climbing, make sure you connect your carabiner to your harness and rope.

Etymology

Origin of carabiner

1915–20; < Austrian German Karabiner, shortening of German Karabinerhaken carbine hook, equivalent to Karabiner (< French carabine carbine + German -er -er ¹ ) + Haken hook ¹; it was originally used to fasten carbines to bandoleers

Explanation

A carabiner is a common piece of mountain climbing equipment, a metal clip that allows climbers to link together ropes and harnesses. If you're learning to rock climb, you'll most likely use a carabiner. Carabiners are vital for climbers and mountaineers to keep various pieces of equipment connected to each other, and thus to keep themselves safe while they're climbing. A carabiner can take various forms and shapes, but it's usually a metal oval, with a spring-loaded clip that stays closed unless it's pushed open. Say the word carabiner with an emphasis on the bin syllable, but pronounce it like bean.

Example Sentences

Nuataaq makes a carabiner water bottle that keeps your water cold for 40 hours and coffee hot for 20 hours, and is completely spill-proof.

From Salon • Nov. 20, 2025

The last look, one of my favorites, showed an older model with bedazzled Porsche keys on a carabiner clip attached to slim leather pants.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 2, 2025

Consider getting a backup attachment for your pet’s collar, such as a metal carabiner or double-clip accessory, for added security if a collar accidentally comes off.

From New York Times • Sep. 26, 2022

For the performances, Pearl will be securely fastened to a harness with a carabiner for extra protection.

From Seattle Times • Jul. 28, 2022

Attached to my waist was a three-foot-long safety tether with a carabiner, or snap- link, at the distal end.

From "Into Thin Air" by Jon Krakauer