slide fastener: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical, formal, archaic
Quick answer
What does “slide fastener” mean?
A device for fastening together the edges of fabric or other material, consisting of two strips of tape with interlocking teeth that are joined or separated by pulling a sliding tab along them.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A device for fastening together the edges of fabric or other material, consisting of two strips of tape with interlocking teeth that are joined or separated by pulling a sliding tab along them.
This term is a formal or technical description for what is commonly called a 'zipper' or 'zip'. It is used in manufacturing, patent law, tailoring, and design contexts to refer to the mechanism, irrespective of brand names.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In both dialects, this term is technical. The common everyday terms are 'zip' (BrE) and 'zipper' (AmE). 'Slide fastener' itself is used similarly in both variants.
Connotations
Connotes precision, manufacture, or historical development. Suggests a more technical or academic mindset than the everyday terms.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in everyday conversation. Its use is almost exclusively confined to manufacturing, sewing, patent documents, and niche historical discussions.
Grammar
How to Use “slide fastener” in a Sentence
N [slide fastener] + be + V-ed [attached, sewn, inserted, repaired]N [technician, inventor] + V [patented, invented, designed] + the N [slide fastener]N [jacket, bag] + with + a N [slide fastener]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “slide fastener” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The tailor will slide-fastener the opening. (Very rare/archaic)
American English
- The design slide-fastened securely. (Very rare/archaic)
adverb
British English
- (Not applicable/No common usage)
American English
- (Not applicable/No common usage)
adjective
British English
- The slide-fastener mechanism was ingenious.
- A slide-fastener repair kit.
American English
- Slide-fastener technology advanced rapidly.
- The slide-fastener industry.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in manufacturing, supply, and patent documents: 'We source high-quality slide fasteners for our outdoor gear.'
Academic
Found in historical or design studies: 'The evolution of the slide fastener revolutionized garment design.'
Everyday
Rarely used; the terms 'zip' or 'zipper' are universal in casual speech.
Technical
Standard term in tailoring, product design, and engineering specifications: 'Attach the 50cm nylon slide fastener to the fly opening.'
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “slide fastener”
- Using 'slide fastener' in casual conversation, which sounds unnatural and overly technical.
- Confusing 'slide fastener' with 'snap fastener' or 'hook-and-loop fastener' (Velcro).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is the formal, technical term for what is commonly called a zipper (AmE) or zip (BrE).
It is used to sound precise or technical, often in manufacturing, historical writing, or to avoid using a brand-associated term like 'Zipper' (which was originally a trademark).
No, it is very uncommon in daily speech. Learners should use 'zip' or 'zipper' for clear communication.
Historically, it might have described other sliding closures, but in modern usage, it is essentially a synonym for 'zipper'.
A device for fastening together the edges of fabric or other material, consisting of two strips of tape with interlocking teeth that are joined or separated by pulling a sliding tab along them.
Slide fastener is usually technical, formal, archaic in register.
Slide fastener: in British English it is pronounced /slaɪd ˈfɑːs(ə)nə/, and in American English it is pronounced /slaɪd ˈfæs(ə)nər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “(none directly associated)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'SLIDE' the tab to 'FASTEN' the two sides together: a SLIDE FASTENER.
Conceptual Metaphor
MECHANISM IS A TOOL FOR CONNECTION (joining two separate edges into one continuous line).
Practice
Quiz
In which context would the term 'slide fastener' be MOST appropriately used?