noun / verb
staple
A U-shaped metal clip for fastening materials together.
A single staple holds the three pages together.
Etymology
The older word concerns a supporting post. The fastening sense developed for a metal piece with ends driven in to hold material securely.
More examples
- She uses heavy staples to attach fabric to the wooden frame.
- Please staple the pages in the upper left corner.
- He stapled the receipt to the expense report.
Forms
staple · staples · stapled · stapling
stapler noun — A device that fastens materials with staples.