paper clip

¹

noun

1. a flat wire or plastic clip shaped so that it can hold sheets of paper between two of its loops.

2. a spring clamp for holding papers.

paper-clip

²

[pey-per-klip]

verb (used with object)

paper-clipped, paper-clipping 

1. to fasten together with one or more paper clips.

   Paper-clip these letters and file them.

Word History and Origins

Origin of paper clip¹

First recorded in 1870–75

Origin of paper clip²

First recorded in 1960–65

Example Sentences

I was holding it together with Scotch tape and paper clips.

Read more on Salon

“I kept the paper clips,’’ Wambaugh said, “and never met Webb.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

“I mean, we may lose our paper clips and bottle caps, but we always have each other.”

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Not because you flung paper clips at the substitute teacher again, but because your deskmate who has been missing since this morning went home thanks to head lice.

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I hiss, then take a second to settle myself and carefully slide another paper clip into the lock.

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