carabiner

noun

car·​a·​bi·​ner ˌker-ə-ˈbē-nər How to pronounce carabiner (audio)
ˌka-rə-
variants or less commonly karabiner
: a usually D-shaped or oblong metal ring with one spring-hinged side that is used especially in mountain climbing as a connector and to hold a freely running rope

Illustration of carabiner

Illustration of carabiner

Examples of carabiner in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Unlike a carabiner or standard keychain-style loop, these require a hex key to remove. Clint Davis, People.com, 20 Apr. 2025 View 7 Images View gallery - 7 images The evolution of the Octo carabiner multitool is an unusual one. Ben Coxworth, New Atlas, 5 Feb. 2025 Bring a carabiner Even the most dedicated one-bag travelers run out of room sometimes. Lyndsey Matthews, AFAR Media, 17 Mar. 2025 In rag-tag combos of color and print, a Gen Z ogre would love their pleated skirts with perforated belts, as well as the fun and functional carabiners studded with butterfly motifs and acid-colored charms. Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 28 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for carabiner

Word History

Etymology

German Karabiner, short for Karabinerhaken, literally, carabineer's hook

First Known Use

1920, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of carabiner was in 1920

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Cite this Entry

“Carabiner.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/carabiner. Accessed 25 Apr. 2025.

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