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.
Felt, fabric, ribbon or twine to cover your cardboard tubes Embellishments to decorate your napkin rings – leaves, buttons, beads, faux flowers Craft glue or a hot glue gun (with adult supervision) Binder clips or paper clips (optional) Steps: Cover your tube sections with your choice of materials. Alexis Simmerman, Austin American-Statesman, 27 Nov. 2024 Gift with a complementary paper clip necklace for a trendy layered effect. Bea McMonagle, Forbes, 26 Nov. 2024 And then there’s Nick Bostrom’s famous example of a paper clip factory run by an AI, whose goal is to make as many paper clips as possible. IEEE Spectrum, 17 Sep. 2019 All could be played with just a few common household items: pencil and paper, coins, colored pens, standard dice, Goldfish crackers, paper clips, your hands, and occasionally an Internet connection. Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 19 Sep. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near paper clip

Cite this Entry

“Paper clip.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/paper%20clip. Accessed 20 Dec. 2024.

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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