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carabiner

or kar·a·bi·ner

[ kar-uh-bee-ner ]

noun

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


carabiner

/ ˌkærəˈbiːnə /

noun

  1. a variant spelling of karabiner
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012


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Word History and Origins

Origin of carabiner1

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
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Example Sentences

We used these for toproping sport routes or for first bolts with tough moves over bad landings where, if the rope should somehow unclip itself from a regular carabiner, a fall would be catastrophic.

AmazonThis easily-transported hammock comes with nine-foot-long tree straps and carabiners so it can be put up in minutes.

The DoubleNest comes with a set of carabiners, but straps are sold separately.

This ultrathin nanofiber towel stuffs into its own unique silicone case, and with the sturdy carabiner clip, it attaches to the outside of a backpack, which is where it lives permanently for me.

A lightweight construction with included carabiner holes or other fastening design elements ensures that the ice pick is within reach at a moment’s notice without adding extra bulk, which is critical for maintaining mobility.

The carabiner is a D-shaped metal clamp that has a gate that opens and closes.

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More About Carabiner

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.

Where does carabiner come from?

The word carabiner entered English some time around 1915, during World War I. The word ultimately has its roots in the German word Karabinerhaken, meaning “carbine hook”—a hook used to connect a soldier’s carbine (a type of rifle) to a strap. In English, the word was shortened to carabiner.

In today’s context, carabiners are mainly associated with adventurous, outdoor activities, especially rock climbing. In most cases, carabiners are designed to be used with one hand—so a rope can be easily attached to a hook—but there are many variations. Some have a twist lock or multiple hook closures.

Not all carabiners are meant to be strong enough for rock climbing. Some are used for situations that are not quite so life-and-death—such as attaching a tool or keychain to a belt loop.

Did you know ... ?

What are some words that share a root or word element with carabiner?

What are some words that often get used in discussing carabiner?

What are some words carabiner may be commonly confused with?

How is carabiner used in real life?

Experienced climbers know the difference between the type of carabiner that holds them up on the side of the mountain and the one that holds a keychain.

 

Try using carabiner!

True or false?

A carabiner is an open hook.

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