stapler: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Neutral
Quick answer
What does “stapler” mean?
A handheld mechanical device used to fasten sheets of paper or similar material together by driving a thin metal staple through them.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A handheld mechanical device used to fasten sheets of paper or similar material together by driving a thin metal staple through them.
A person who sorts or grades wool, cotton, or other fibers according to quality; a machine or device that secures or binds things with staples. Also used figuratively for something that consistently performs a basic, essential function.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical difference for the tool. The device is universally called a stapler. Minor differences may exist in commercial brand names or models.
Connotations
Neutral in both varieties. Strongly associated with office and school environments.
Frequency
Equally common and frequent in both dialects.
Grammar
How to Use “stapler” in a Sentence
N + V (The stapler jammed.)V + N (She used the stapler.)ADJ + N (an electric stapler)N + of + N (a stapler of papers)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “stapler” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- She decided to stapler the pages together, as the proper stapler was broken. (informal, non-standard)
American English
- He had to quickly stapler the flyers before the event. (informal, non-standard)
adjective
British English
- The stapler mechanism is faulty. (attributive use of noun)
American English
- We're out of stapler wire. (attributive use of noun)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Essential office supply for binding reports, proposals, and multi-page documents.
Academic
Common in libraries and student workrooms for assembling essays and theses.
Everyday
Used in homes for school projects, crafting, or organizing household paperwork.
Technical
In construction/carpentry, refers to a staple gun or pneumatic stapler for fastening materials.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “stapler”
- Pronouncing it as /ˈstæ.plər/ (like 'stab').
- Using 'stapler' to mean the staples themselves (e.g., 'I need more stapler' instead of 'I need more staples').
- Misspelling as 'stappler'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Standard English uses 'staple' as the verb. 'To stapler' is informal, non-standard, and rare, typically used humorously.
A stapler is typically for paper and uses small, bent-legged staples. A staple gun is a heavier-duty tool for upholstery, carpentry, or construction, firing larger, straight-legged staples into wood, fabric, or insulation.
The stress is always on the first syllable: STAP-ler. The second syllable is reduced.
Yes, but this is an archaic and highly specialized term for a person who grades wool or other fibers by quality. In modern English, it almost exclusively refers to the tool.
A handheld mechanical device used to fasten sheets of paper or similar material together by driving a thin metal staple through them.
Stapler is usually neutral in register.
Stapler: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsteɪ.plər/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsteɪ.plɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[Rare/Figurative] A stapler diet: a diet consisting of basic, repetitive foods.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: A STAPLER helps you STAY PL(EASED) with your papers organized. It STAPLES papers together.
Conceptual Metaphor
TOOL FOR UNIFICATION (A stapler brings separate items into a single unit).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of a stapler?