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.
Despite some users’ unlikely vitriol for the anthropomorphic paper clip, much more malicious bots became obvious to users in the years to come on social media, especially on Twitter in the chaotic election season of 2016. Ashley Lutz, Fortune, 22 July 2025 For example, a person walks into a room and sees a paper clip on the floor. Bryant Stamford, The Courier-Journal, 2 July 2025 People are not required to remove staples or paper clips. Nwa Democrat-Gazette, Arkansas Online, 15 Apr. 2025 Students are using various easily accessible items to do this, including writing utensils, paper clips, gum wrappers, and pushpins. Ashley Belanger – May 9, ArsTechnica, 9 May 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Paper clip.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/paper%20clip. Accessed 5 Aug. 2025.

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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