clip-on

American  

[klip-on, -awn] / ˈklɪpˌɒn, -ˌɔn /

adjective

1. designed to be clipped on easily, especially by a self-attached clip.

   a clip-on bow tie.

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noun

1. a clip-on device, ornament, or the like.

clip on British  

verb

1. (tr) to attach by means of a clip

2. (intr) to be attached by means of a clip

   this clips on here

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adjective

1. designed to be attached by means of a clip

   a clip-on bow tie

plural noun

1. sunglasses designed to be clipped on to a person's spectacles

Etymology

Origin of clip-on

First recorded in 1905–10; adj., noun use of verb phrase clip on

Example Sentences

I’m reminded of the clip-on crampons I bought after a winter storm four years ago, when I’d slipped and injured my wrist.

From Washington Post

In the perfect health care world, cardiologists envision a day where they can prescribe a watch or other small clip-on device to high-risk patients and insurance would cover the cost.

From New York Times

Part of that deal includes a helmet clip-on that detects infrared energy and enables troops to see thermal images.

From Washington Post

The mix of inflatable privacy shields, fabric air ducts, dynamic hot-desks, clip-on desk partitions, and rearrangeable desks and storage make it sound like employees will have to build their office from scratch each day.

From The Verge

Then one year my mother cobbled together enough money to purchase a navy blue three-piece suit and a clip-on tie.

From New York Times