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.

Even a tiny magnet can lift a paper clip against the pull of Earth's entire gravitational field.

From Science Daily • May 18, 2026

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

He made a cellphone holder, a paper clip box and a toolbox out of steel — items he still uses to this day.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 4, 2023

He had a buzzcut like his dad, and was using a paper clip to scratch into his desk.

From "Everything Sad Is Untrue" by Daniel Nayeri