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paper clip

noun

: a length of wire bent into flat loops that is used to hold papers together

Examples of paper clip 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.
An antique wine taster can hold paper clips on a desk or serve as a ring dish. — Kylie Petty, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Sep. 2026 Or commandeering a military system or nuclear power plant in pursuit of its paper clip goal. — Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 25 Sep. 2026 Beard is fashioning a Ted out of paper clips when Roy comes to release him for violating the comportment bylaws. — Hannah Abraham, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026 The fact that its deranged obsession was with test answers, not paper clips, does not make the hack less alarming. — Stephen Witt, New Yorker, 30 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for paper clip

Word History

First Known Use

1851, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of paper clip was in 1851

Rhymes for paper clip

See All Rhymes for paper clip

Browse Nearby Words

paper chromatography
paper clip
paper coal
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Paper clip.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/paper%20clip. Accessed 30 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

paper clip

noun
: a length of wire bent into flat loops that is used to hold papers together
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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