Definition

1. Noun:
   • A small, rigid board with a clip at the top for holding papers: A portable writing surface designed to secure sheets of paper, typically used to provide support for writing while standing or moving.
   • (Computing) A temporary storage area for data: In digital contexts, a clipboard is a software feature that holds data (like text or images) temporarily after it has been cut or copied, allowing it to be pasted elsewhere.

Examples of Usage

• Noun (Physical Object):

  • The nurse carried a clipboard to record patient information.
  • Please attach the form to the clipboard before you start the survey.

• Noun (Computing):

  • Copy that paragraph to the clipboard and then paste it into the new document.
  • The image is saved on the clipboard until you paste it or copy something else.

Advanced Usage

• "To clear the clipboard": To remove the data currently stored in the computer's temporary memory.

  • For security, remember to clear your clipboard after copying sensitive information.

• "Clipboard history": A feature in some operating systems that retains multiple items copied to the clipboard.

  • Enable clipboard history to access the last several items you copied.

Variants and Related Words

• Clip (verb/noun): The fastening device on a physical clipboard; also, the computing action of cutting or copying data.
  • The clip holds the paper firmly.
  • You need to clip that section from the document.

Synonyms

• Writing board: For the physical object.
• Buffer: For the computing function (a temporary storage area).

Related Phrases

• Clipboard manager: A software utility that manages the history and content of the digital clipboard.
  • A good clipboard manager can significantly improve your productivity.

Noun

1. a small writing board with a clip at the top for holding papers