fastening

American

[fas-uh-ning, fah-suh-] / ˈfæs ə nɪŋ, ˈfɑ sə- /

noun

something that fastens, as a lock or clasp.

fastening British

/ ˈfɑːsənɪŋ /

noun

something that fastens, such as a clasp or lock

"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

Etymology

Origin of fastening

Middle English word dating back to 1125–75; fasten, -ing ¹

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The Irish government has always promised full cooperation with what is a UK statutory public inquiry and they would see this memorandum of understanding as copper fastening that.

From BBC • Apr. 15, 2025

“Incorrect shelf fastening can cause damage to both the bookcase and the contents on display, creating a potential safety risk for yourself and your loved ones,” he says.

From Seattle Times • May 3, 2024

Following the outcry in Paris, Sargent repainted the fastening securely in place, but he never showed the painting again and was forced to decamp to London to restore his career.

From New York Times • Feb. 29, 2024

IL-6 delivers its message by fastening to IL-6 receptors within cells, which tells the cells to spread inflammation.

From Science Daily • Jan. 17, 2024

The round gray hat she wore looked like the head of a screw fastening her to her pew.

From "Middlesex: A Novel" by Jeffrey Eugenides

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023