paper clip

NOUN

wire or plastic bent to hold paper

Synonyms

WEAK

gem clip paper fastener paperclip

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Channeling the fictional 1980s secret agent MacGyver, he unwound the paper clip and stuck it in his TV’s coaxial port to get a signal.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 8, 2025

After a few weeks, Webb had read it and stuck a paper clip — about 500 in all — over every passage that might offend the higher-ups.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 28, 2025

For example, when you bend a paper clip which is made of aluminum, the movement of dislocations inside the paper clip accommodates the shape change.

From Science Daily • Apr. 22, 2024

The paper clip scenario and others like it are science fiction.

From Scientific American • Jul. 12, 2023

I went to the office and asked the secretary for a paper clip.

From "Burning Blue" by Paul Griffin