1sta·ple 
/ˈsteɪpəl/ noun
plural sta·ples /ˈsteɪpəl/ noun [count] : a piece of metal or wire in the shape of a U that is used for attaching things: such as a : a short, thin wire that goes through papers and is bent over at the ends to hold the papers together or that goes through a piece of paper, a photograph, etc., to attach it to a surface
▪ Please fasten the pages (together) with paper clips rather than staples. ▪ The notice was attached to the wall with staples. — see also stapler
b : a piece of metal or thick wire that is pushed into a surface to hold or attach something (such as rope or wire) — see also staple gun
▪ Please fasten the pages (together) with paper clips rather than staples. ▪ The notice was attached to the wall with staples. — see also stapler
b : a piece of metal or thick wire that is pushed into a surface to hold or attach something (such as rope or wire) — see also staple gun
— compare 3staple
