clothespin: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
IntermediateInformal, Everyday
Quick answer
What does “clothespin” mean?
A small clip, typically made of wood or plastic, used to fasten wet laundry to a clothesline to dry.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A small clip, typically made of wood or plastic, used to fasten wet laundry to a clothesline to dry.
Any small clip or fastener of a similar design, sometimes used in crafts, baking (to seal bags), or in makeshift repairs.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
UK English uses 'clothes peg'. US English uses 'clothespin'.
Connotations
No significant difference in connotation. Both terms are neutral and functional.
Frequency
The terms are exclusive to their respective dialects. 'Clothespin' is virtually unused in the UK, and 'clothes peg' is uncommon in the US.
Grammar
How to Use “clothespin” in a Sentence
[Subject] + fasten/attach/pin + [Object] + with a clothespin[Object] + be + clipped/pinned + to + [Location] + with a clothespinVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “clothespin” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- She will peg the sheets out in the sunshine.
- I need to peg this shirt to the line before it rains.
American English
- She will clothespin the sheets on the line.
- I need to pin this shirt up before it rains.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used. Would only appear in contexts like manufacturing or retail of household goods.
Academic
Not used.
Everyday
Common in domestic contexts involving laundry.
Technical
Not used, except potentially in very niche industrial design or product descriptions.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “clothespin”
- Misspelling as 'clothespin' (correct) vs. 'clothes pin' (incorrect as one word in US). In UK, 'clothes-peg' with a hyphen is an accepted variant.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In American English, it is a closed compound: 'clothespin'. In British English, the term is 'clothes peg', which is two words.
Informally in American English, yes (e.g., 'to clothespin something to the line'). In British English, the verb is 'to peg' (e.g., 'to peg out the washing').
A traditional or 'dolly' peg is a single piece of forked wood. A spring clothespin (or peg) has two pieces joined by a metal spring, allowing it to be opened and closed.
Yes, but its frequency is tied to the cultural practice of line-drying laundry. It remains a common household item and word in many regions.
A small clip, typically made of wood or plastic, used to fasten wet laundry to a clothesline to dry.
Clothespin is usually informal, everyday in register.
Clothespin: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkləʊðz pɛɡ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkloʊðz pɪn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of its purpose: You PIN your CLOTHES to the line. Clothes + Pin = Clothespin.
Conceptual Metaphor
A CLOTHESPIN IS A CLAMP (emphasizing its gripping function).
Practice
Quiz
What is the standard British English term for 'clothespin'?