paper clip: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
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Quick answer
What does “paper clip” mean?
A small piece of bent wire or plastic used to hold sheets of paper together temporarily.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A small piece of bent wire or plastic used to hold sheets of paper together temporarily.
In computing, a digital placeholder or tool in a user interface for managing documents or links, resembling the physical object. Also used as a metaphor for a simple, effective solution.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The spelling 'paperclip' (one word) is common in both varieties, but 'paper clip' (two words) is the standard dictionary form. No difference in object referent.
Connotations
Identical in both varieties; a mundane, everyday object associated with offices and paperwork.
Frequency
Equally common in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “paper clip” in a Sentence
N + prep: a paper clip for the documentsV + N: fasten the papers with a paper clipAdj + N: a red paper clipVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “paper clip” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- We'll need to paper-clip these forms together before sending them off.
- He paper-clipped the receipt to the invoice.
American English
- Just paper-clip the check to the application form.
- She paper-clipped the notes to the folder.
adjective
British English
- The paper-clip holder was nearly empty.
- He used a paper-clip solution to fix the antenna.
American English
- We have a paper-clip dispenser on every desk.
- It was a paper-clip repair, but it worked.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Common in office contexts for organising documents: 'Please secure the report with a paper clip before filing.'
Academic
Used literally in administrative tasks, not as an academic concept.
Everyday
Common household/office item: 'I need a paper clip to fix my glasses.'
Technical
In computing, refers to the 'Clippy' assistant icon in old Microsoft Office or a clip-like UI element.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “paper clip”
- Using 'clip' alone when 'paper clip' is needed for clarity (e.g., 'Hand me the clip' could be ambiguous). Confusing 'paper clip' with 'binder clip' (the larger, black metal clip with handles).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Both forms are widely used and understood. Dictionaries typically list 'paper clip' as the main headword, but 'paperclip' is a common compound spelling.
Yes, informally. 'To paper-clip' means to attach with a paper clip (e.g., 'Paper-clip the note to the front').
A paper clip is made of a single loop of wire. A binder clip is larger, made of steel with two folding handles, and can hold many more sheets securely.
Yes, the most famous is 'Clippy', the animated paper clip assistant in Microsoft Office (1997-2003). Also, the 'Red Paperclip' project, where a man traded a paperclip up to a house in a series of online trades.
A small piece of bent wire or plastic used to hold sheets of paper together temporarily.
Paper clip is usually neutral in register.
Paper clip: in British English it is pronounced /ˈpeɪ.pə ˌklɪp/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈpeɪ.pɚ ˌklɪp/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “"A bent paper clip" (a makeshift tool).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the two parts: PAPER (what it holds) and CLIP (its action).
Conceptual Metaphor
A PAPER CLIP IS A TOOL FOR TEMPORARY CONNECTION.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of a paper clip?