Staples: meaning, definitions and examples

This term is commonly used in office settings to refer to thin metal wires used with a stapler to bind papers together. It’s suitable for when you need a more permanent way to attach documents.

• I need a new box of staples for the stapler.
• The report was held together with staples.

This word is often used to describe small devices that hold papers together loosely. They are useful for temporary binding and quick organization.

• She organized her notes with clips.
• I used a clip to keep these pages together temporarily.

This word specifically refers to small, often metal or plastic, devices designed to hold sheets of paper together. These are typically used for easy and temporary binding of documents.

• There's a paperclip holding the invoice to the receipt.
• I need a few paperclips to attach these documents.

This term is more general and can refer to various types of devices that hold items together. In an office context, it might refer to items like binder clips, staples, or even paper fasteners. It is less specific and can apply to different scenarios beyond just paper.

• These fasteners are great for keeping multiple pages secure.
• We use different types of fasteners for various office tasks.

Items that are essential or regularly used, typically in the context of food or household needs.

• Bread and milk are considered household staples
• We need to stock up on the staples for the coming week

A larger place where goods are sold, often associated with a wide variety of products and can be either large or small.

• She works at the store down the street
• We'll go to the store to buy some supplies

A place where goods are sold, or the act of buying goods in a casual or day-to-day manner.

• I need to stop by the shop to get some groceries
• There's a cute little coffee shop on the corner

A business or person that sells goods to the public in relatively small quantities for use or consumption rather than for resale.

• Amazon is a major online retailer
• That retailer offers great deals during Black Friday

Also used in medical contexts to close wounds or surgical incisions.

• The surgeon used staples to close the incision.
• After the accident, she had several staples in her head.

Used specifically in medical contexts to stitch up wounds or surgical incisions.

• The doctor used sutures to close the deep cut.
• Sutures are often preferred over staples for some types of surgeries.

Typically used in construction, woodworking, or medical settings to hold objects firmly in place.

• The carpenter used clamps to hold the wood while it was being cut.
• During the surgery, clamps were used to control bleeding.

A general term used in various industries, including construction and fashion, to describe items that secure materials together, such as screws, nails, or buttons.

• The assembly instructions call for several different types of fasteners.
• He bought a set of fasteners to help with the furniture assembly.