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Definition of paperclip

paperclip

/ˈpeɪ.pɚˌklɪp/
pa · per · clip
Plural:paperclips
•
Past Simple:paperclipped
•
Past Participle:paperclipped
•
Present Participle:paperclipping
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paperclip Lexical Profile

paperclip Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A small piece of bent wire or plastic used for holding several sheets of paper together temporarily.

Example

"She used a silver paperclip to attach the receipt to the expense report."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for paperclip

• verb

1

To fasten or hold sheets of paper together using a small bent wire or plastic clip.

Example

"Please paperclip the supporting documents to the back of your application form rather than stapling them."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for paperclip
Antonyms
View all antonyms for paperclip

• Nearby Words

paperboard
paperbound
paperboy
paperclip
paperer
papergirl
paperless

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in the late 19th century as a compound of 'paper' and 'clip', coinciding with the invention of bent-wire fasteners designed to hold loose sheets together without piercing them.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Paperclip. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/paperclip
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