clothespin

American  

[klohz-pin, klohthz-, klohs-] / ˈkloʊzˌpɪn, ˈkloʊðz-, ˈkloʊs- /

noun

1. a device, such as a forked piece of wood or plastic, for fastening articles to a clothesline.

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Etymology

Origin of clothespin

An Americanism dating back to 1840–50; clothes + pin

Example Sentences

Keaton stuck a clothespin on the tip of her nose to make it smaller, and acted the part of an extrovert: big laugh, big hair and, when she stopped liking her hair, big hats.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 13, 2025

She became giddy over a working clothespin sold by Maria Fowler from Toronto’s The Little Dollhouse Company.

From New York Times • May 13, 2023

The Browns miscalculated, believing that their starving fans would clothespin their noses to escape the stench and instead fantasize about the Super Bowl possibilities with Watson helming the team.

From Washington Post • Jun. 22, 2022

To use a pulse oximeter, press the device open as you would press a clip or clothespin, and place your finger snugly inside.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 11, 2021

“Maybe you ought to take along your clothespin people,” Pa suggested.

From "The Seven Wonders of Sassafras Springs" by Betty G. Birney