Meaning & use
fastener
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Meanings
nouncountable
A small device that holds two parts of something together, such as a button, zipper, or clip.
Grammar: Countable: use a fastener, the fastener, fasteners.
Patterns
- a fastener on something
- fasten something with a fastener
The jacket has a metal fastener at the neck.
She replaced the broken fastener on her bag with a new one.
These fasteners are designed to hold the panels securely.
nouncountable
A person or thing that fastens something.
Grammar: Countable; often used in job titles or descriptions.
Patterns
- a fastener of something
He worked as a fastener in the factory, attaching parts together.
The machine is a fastener that joins the wires automatically.
Word forms
| plural | fasteners |
|---|
Common combinations
- zip fastener
- The zip fastener on my coat is stuck.
- button fastener
- She sewed a new button fastener onto the shirt.
- hook-and-loop fastener
- The shoes use a hook-and-loop fastener instead of laces.
- snap fastener
- The baby's onesie has snap fasteners for easy changing.
- metal fastener
- The metal fastener rusted after being left in the rain.
Synonyms and how they differ
Word family
Commonly confused: fastener or fixture?
fastener vs fixture
A fixture is a piece of equipment fixed in place, like a sink or light, not a small closing device.
Practice
Which sentence uses 'fastener' correctly?
Choose one answer.
'Fastener' is a noun meaning a device that holds things together, so it fits in sentence B. Sentence A uses it as a verb, which is wrong; the verb is 'fasten'. Sentence C invents a verb form. Sentence D confuses it with 'scissors' or a cutting tool.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “fastener”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.