clip
Clip (noun) means a device used to fasten or hold things together. Example: “She used a clip to keep the papers in order.”
How to use clip
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA fastener, a short cut piece of video, the act of cutting something short, or a fast pace.
Word forms
clipped past tense, clipt past tense, clipped past tense, clips plural, clips plural, clips singular, clips singular
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She used a _____ to keep the papers in order.
Etymology
From Old English clyppan, "to embrace or clasp" — the "cut" sense developed later, from the idea of gripping something to trim it.
Related words
Rhymes for clip
See all rhymes for clip →Frequently asked questions
What does “clip” mean?
The word “clip” means a device used to fasten or hold things together. In plain terms, a fastener, a short cut piece of video, the act of cutting something short, or a fast pace.
How do you pronounce “clip”?
“Clip” is pronounced klihp (/klɪp/ in IPA).
How do you use “clip” in a sentence?
Here is “clip” used in a sentence: “She used a clip to keep the papers in order.”
What part of speech is “clip”?
Depending on how it is used, “clip” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “clip” come from?
The word “clip” comes from Old English. From Old English clyppan, "to embrace or clasp" — the "cut" sense developed later, from the idea of gripping something to trim it.
Is “clip” a common word?
“Clip” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “clip” have?
“Clip” has 6 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a device used to fasten or hold things together.
What is the difference between a 'clip' and a 'clasp'?
A 'clip' is a device used to fasten or hold things together, often with a spring or bent metal, such as a paper clip or hair clip. A 'clasp' typically refers to an interlocking fastener that snaps shut, as on a necklace or bag. Clips generally grip by pressure, while clasps lock in place.
What is the difference between a 'clip' and a 'pin'?
A 'clip' holds items together by gripping them between two surfaces without piercing them. A 'pin' usually has a sharp point that pushes through material to hold it. So a clip fastens papers by squeezing, while a pin fastens fabric by passing through it.
What are common types of 'clip'?
Common clips include the paper clip, the bulldog or binder clip for thicker documents, and the hair clip for holding hair in place. In each case, the clip fastens or holds things together, and the word can also be used as a verb, as in 'clip the pages together.'
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