pipe cleaner

noun

Updated on: 6 Mar 2018

Definition of pipe cleaner

: something used to clean the inside of a pipe; specifically : a piece of flexible wire in which tufted fabric is twisted and which is used to clean the stem of a tobacco pipe

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Recent Examples of pipe cleaner from the Web

Hot glue the pipe cleaners near the clasp of the belt, framing the center like this: <|>. 5.

— rachel torgerson, Cosmopolitan, "Here’s How Your Harley Quinn Costume Can Be Better Than Everyone Else’s," 27 Oct. 2016
Bend two gold pipe cleaners in half twice (this creates a sharper angle). 4.

— rachel torgerson, Cosmopolitan, "Here’s How Your Harley Quinn Costume Can Be Better Than Everyone Else’s," 27 Oct. 2016
In July, federal prosecutors ordered them to forfeit everything and pay $3 million — or 100,000,000 pipe cleaners — in fines.

— gabriella paiella, The Cut, "The Best Drama We Loved in 2017," 19 Dec. 2017
Wrap pipe cleaners around the sides of a hanger to keep straps from falling. 3.

— sarah newell, Seventeen, "15 Life-Changing Closet Organizing Hacks for Girls Who Have Too Many Clothes," 22 Sep. 2017
Kelly Wilkinson/IndyStar Supplies for Julie Alano's computer science principles class consist of pipe cleaners, construction paper, markers and straws.

— ruth serven, Indianapolis Star, "Tech educator draws more girls into computer science classes," 1 Sep. 2017
For a fish-eating critter once slaughtered for dog food, its blubber sold for oil and its whiskers used as tobacco pipe cleaners, that is a stunning comeback.

— National Geographic, "Stinky, Destructive Sea Lions Inspire Wacky Deterrents—Like Fake Orcas," 14 July 2016

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'pipe cleaner.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of pipe cleaner

1861

in the meaning defined above

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PIPE CLEANER Defined for English Language Learners

pipe cleaner

noun

Definition of pipe cleaner for English Language Learners

: a piece of wire that is covered with soft cloth and used to clean the inside of a tobacco pipe

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pipe cleaner

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