WordGarden.iopaperclip
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /pˈeɪpəklˌɪp/
US
Meanings
Noun
a small bent wire or plastic clip used to hold sheets of paper together
Verb
to fasten papers together with a paperclip
Beyond the definition
A paperclip is that little bent piece of wire you probably have scattered all over your desk! It's a simple invention designed to hold sheets of paper neatly together. While it was made for documents, people often use it for all sorts of things, like resetting electronics, opening SIM card slots, or even making a quick craft in a pinch!
They come in different sizes and coatings, like plastic or vinyl, but they all share the same basic looped design. They're a staple of office life, classrooms, and anywhere papers need organizing.
The humble paperclip: it seems so simple, doesn't it? But this small, bent piece of metal has a surprisingly interesting history! For a long time, it has been one of the easiest ways to keep documents organized without making a permanent mark. While similar fasteners existed before, the modern paperclip design, often called the Gem paperclip, became popular in the late 19th century, and it has remained largely unchanged ever since.
Its primary function is to temporarily hold sheets of paper together without damaging them, unlike staples. This makes it ideal for documents you might need to rearrange or disassemble frequently. But its usefulness extends far beyond just paperwork! Resourceful people have found countless alternative uses for paperclips: unlocking phone SIM trays, crafting miniature sculptures, cleaning hard-to-reach places, and even serving as emergency tools in survival situations.
Because it is small, flexible, and easy to carry, people often see it as a symbol of simple problem-solving. You can find it in offices, schools, homes, and all kinds of tool drawers, ready for a job that is usually small but sometimes surprisingly helpful. So next time you reach for a paperclip, remember that it's more than just an office supply; it's a smart little tool with a lot of everyday value!
Examples
- 1
Everyday office
I used a paperclip to keep the receipts together.
- 2
Desk supplies
There were paperclips, rubber bands, and sticky notes in the desk drawer.
- 3
Form attachment
Please attach the receipt to the form with a paperclip, not a staple.
- 4
Digital attachment
Click the paperclip icon to add a file to your message.
See also
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- paperclipnoun