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.
Go for this handheld fan with a carabiner that attaches to your purse. — Nneya Richards, Travel + Leisure, 1 July 2026 If your patio is covered, hang the lights using screw eyes and carabiners. — Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Apr. 2026 The brand is best known for punky silver bracelets, carabiners, pendants and signet rings, all handcrafted in Bali and sold online. — Ardian Wibisono, Forbes.com, 27 May 2026 The speaker also comes with a loop and a carabiner included for convenient carry-on. — George Yang, PC Magazine, 26 May 2026 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

Rhymes for carabiner

See All Rhymes for carabiner

Browse Nearby Words

carabineer
carabiner
carabinero
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Carabiner.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/carabiner. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on carabiner

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about carabiner

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