clipboard

American  

[klip-bawrd, -bohrd] / ˈklɪpˌbɔrd, -ˌboʊrd /

noun

• clipboards
  plural

1. a small board having at the top a clip for holding papers and serving as a portable writing surface.

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clipboard British  

/ ˈklɪpˌbɔːd /

noun

1. a portable writing board with a spring clip at the top for holding paper

2. a temporary storage area in desktop publishing where text or graphics are held after the cut command or the copy command

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• clipboards
  plural

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Etymology

Origin of clipboard

An Americanism dating back to 1905–10; clip ² + board

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

clipboard clipboards

During his own college career, which he spent mostly holding a clipboard, Woodin earned a Ph.D. in the subtle nuances of the quarterback position.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 16, 2026

They contact Movement and Control, and the next morning, an officer looks down at his clipboard and barks: “Pack your things. You’re moving to South Hall.”

From Slate ● Aug. 11, 2026

An hour later, Channel 4's chief executive emerged into the evening, clipboard in hand, outside their offices in Horseferry Road, London.

From BBC ● May 22, 2026

But Stafford, who has considered retirement before, was completely understanding when his bosses tipped him off that their first-rounder would be holding a clipboard.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 24, 2026

When we finished, we walked back toward the locker room, and I saw that the So-Called Gym Teacher had left his clipboard and the slips of paper on the bleacher.

From "Okay for Now" by Gary D. Schmidt

Two weeks later, I noticed the fire and safety team walking through the prison, holding clipboards, testing alarms, and inspecting extinguishers.

From Slate ● Aug. 11, 2026

Jack McGrail and Aiyana Da’Briel, staff leaders for the SoLa Live Accelerator program behind the event, seemed to be everywhere at once, passing out wristbands and scribbling on clipboards.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 29, 2026

He oversees a vast signature-gathering operation, which includes workers who fan out across parking lots and public parks with clipboards.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 25, 2026

As the chefs slave over their pots, five judges patrol the aisles with clipboards, making notes on their recipes and techniques.

From Barron's ● Feb. 19, 2026

Diane and Sage step away from the table and, with clipboards in hand, lead the group toward the other end of the yard.

From "Pride" by Ibi Zoboi

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