carabiner

noun

car·​a·​bi·​ner ˌker-ə-ˈbē-nər How to pronounce carabiner (audio)
ˌka-rə-
variants or less commonly karabiner
: a usually D-shaped or oblong metal ring with one spring-hinged side that is used especially in mountain climbing as a connector and to hold a freely running rope

Illustration of carabiner

Illustration of carabiner

Examples of carabiner in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The small bag lies flat in board shorts pockets and can be connected to a surfboard or SUP leash tie, or to kayak straps or a backpack with a carabiner. Lisa Jhung, Outside Online, 22 Apr. 2025 The Diesel x Casetify collection also includes phone charms, chains and even a carabiner, allowing wearers to customize their devices with utilitarian twist. Hannah Malach, WWD, 18 Feb. 2025 Unlike a carabiner or standard keychain-style loop, these require a hex key to remove. Clint Davis, People.com, 20 Apr. 2025 View 7 Images View gallery - 7 images The evolution of the Octo carabiner multitool is an unusual one. Ben Coxworth, New Atlas, 5 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for carabiner

Word History

Etymology

German Karabiner, short for Karabinerhaken, literally, carabineer's hook

First Known Use

1920, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of carabiner was in 1920

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Carabiner.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/carabiner. Accessed 7 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on carabiner

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!