paperclip: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Neutral
Quick answer
What does “paperclip” mean?
A small piece of bent wire or plastic used to hold sheets of paper together.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A small piece of bent wire or plastic used to hold sheets of paper together.
Any device or system that holds things together temporarily; in computing, a metaphor for linking or attaching items.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant spelling or usage differences. Both use 'paperclip' as a single word. The term is standard in both varieties.
Connotations
Neutral in both, associated with office supplies and simple organisation.
Frequency
Equally common in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “paperclip” in a Sentence
[Subject] fastened the documents [with a paperclip].[Subject] used a paperclip to hold the pages together.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “paperclip” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- I'll paperclip these receipts to the invoice.
- She paperclipped the note to the front page.
American English
- He paperclipped the forms together before filing.
- Can you paperclip these pages for me?
adjective
British English
- The paperclip holder was empty.
- It was a paperclip solution to a complex problem.
American English
- We need a paperclip dispenser for the desk.
- He offered a paperclip fix for the broken strap.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Common in office environments for organising documents.
Academic
Used for bundling lecture notes or draft chapters.
Everyday
Common household item for temporary paper organisation.
Technical
In computing, the icon or concept for attaching files in emails.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “paperclip”
- Spelling as two words: 'paper clip'. While sometimes seen, the single word 'paperclip' is standard for the object.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is standardly written as one word: 'paperclip'. The two-word form 'paper clip' is also seen but is less common in modern usage.
Yes, informally. It means to fasten or attach with a paperclip (e.g., 'Paperclip these pages together').
A paperclip is usually a single piece of bent wire for a few sheets. A binder clip is larger, has two metal wings that fold, and can hold many more pages securely.
It's a compound noun: a 'clip' designed for use on 'paper'.
A small piece of bent wire or plastic used to hold sheets of paper together.
Paperclip is usually neutral in register.
Paperclip: in British English it is pronounced /ˈpeɪpəklɪp/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈpeɪpərklɪp/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Bend over backwards like a paperclip (rare, implies excessive flexibility).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a clip for your paper: PAPER-CLIP.
Conceptual Metaphor
CONNECTION IS A PAPERCLIP (a simple, temporary link).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of a paperclip?