stapler

¹

[ stey-pler ]

noun

1. a machine for fastening together sheets of paper or the like, with wire staples. staple.
2. a wire-stitching machine, especially one used in bookbinding.
3. Also called staple gun. a hand-powered tool used for driving heavy-duty wire staples staple into wood and other materials.

stapler

²

[ stey-pler ]

noun

1. a person who staples staple wool.
2. a merchant who deals in a staple or staples. staple.

ˈstapler

/ ˈsteɪplə /

noun

1. a machine that inserts staples into sheets of paper, etc, to hold them together

Word History and Origins

Origin of stapler¹

First recorded in 1905–10; staple ¹ + -er ¹

Origin of stapler²

First recorded in 1505–15; staple ² + -er ¹

Example Sentences

Put another way: If someone had attacked their accountant with a stapler, would they then be sentenced to shuffling papers at a competing firm?

From Salon

This involves killing other people in various creative ways, one of which utilizes a stapler in a way I would rather not think about again.

From Seattle Times

Gabriel Trujillo, just 8 or 9 years old, wrote that he would be a stapler.

From Seattle Times

They’re also taught to use items around them — staplers, laptops, iPads — to fend off an attacker if there are no other options.

From Los Angeles Times

Her father, Charles, designed and manufactured staplers and other office items.

From New York Times

Related Words

• fastener
• staple gun