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)

, pa·per-clipped, pa·per-clip·ping.

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

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.

From Salon

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

From Literature

In another she found a pencil, along with some paper clips, rubber bands, and a tube of strawberry-scented lip gloss.

From Literature

When I tried to climb into the paper clip box, she stopped me with her finger.

From Literature

For example, when you bend a paper clip which is made of aluminum, the movement of dislocations inside the paper clip accommodates the shape change.

From Science Daily