clipboard

American  

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

noun

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

---

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

---

Etymology

Origin of clipboard

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

Example Sentences

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

The woman told her she’d been paid $20 to sue by a woman who hung around on the sidewalk outside the community center clutching a clipboard, she said.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 16, 2025

Then I usually hear the tip of their pen jab the clipboard.

From Slate • Oct. 8, 2025

His attention to the smallest of tactical specifics has already surprised members of the team and, even in largely meaningless pre-season friendlies, his tactical clipboard has stayed close to hand.

From BBC • Aug. 12, 2025

Mrs. Richardson, watching the fire chief meticulously taking notes on his clipboard, had completely forgotten about her former tenants.

From "Little Fires Everywhere" by Celeste Ng