Word
fastener
Phoneticsfas·ten·er, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈfæsənɝ/
UK/fˈɑːstənɐ/
Countable noun
Definition
n. a small object that holds two things together, like a button, zip, or clip. You use it on clothes, bags, or boxes to keep them closed.
n. a mechanical device for joining or securing two objects or parts together, such as a zip, button, snap, clip, or bolt. Covers both clothing closures and hardware fixings.
Examples
“This jacket has a broken fastener.”
“She replaced the broken fastener on her backpack so the front pocket would stay closed.”
“The conservator examined each corroded fastener on the archival case, knowing that modern replacements would compromise the artifact's historical integrity.”
Examples
simple
“This jacket has a broken fastener.”
contextual
“She replaced the broken fastener on her backpack so the front pocket would stay closed.”
complex
“The conservator examined each corroded fastener on the archival case, knowing that modern replacements would compromise the artifact's historical integrity.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “fastener” in context.
Verb
01. close fastener
“She closed the fastener on her suitcase before leaving.”
verb + noun
02. fastener holds
“This fastener holds the cover firmly in place during travel.”
noun + verb
03. fastener snaps
“The fastener snaps shut and keeps your jacket closed.”
noun + verb
04. fastener sticks
“This old fastener sticks every time I try to open the bag.”
noun + verb
05. open fastener
“Can you help me open this fastener on the tent door?”
verb + noun
Adjective
06. broken fastener
“She took her bag to the shop to repair a broken fastener.”
adj + noun
07. metal fastener
“The winter coat has a strong metal fastener that stays shut in the wind.”
adj + noun
Noun
08. bag fastener
“The bag fastener broke on the train, so I held it shut.”
noun + noun
09. coat fastener
“The coat fastener came undone as soon as he went outside.”
noun + noun
10. a sturdy plastic fastener
“This suitcase has a sturdy plastic fastener that is easy to use.”
11. choose the right fastener
“You need to choose the right fastener for a winter jacket.”
12. close the bag fastener
“Please close the bag fastener before you lift it up.”
Etymology
From fasten + -er, first recorded in the mid-15th century as a term for one who makes something secure. The formation follows a standard English pattern, attaching a suffix to the verb to denote the agent of the action.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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