What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
zipper
Example
I need to fix the zipper on my jacket. [zipper: noun]
Example
She zipped up her dress before leaving the room. [zipped: past tense verb]
fastener
Example
The carpenter used a nail as a fastener to attach the boards together. [fastener: noun]
Example
She fastened the buckle on her belt before leaving the house. [fastened: past tense verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Zipper is more commonly used than fastener in everyday language, especially when referring to clothing and bags. Fastener is a more general term that covers a wider range of items and purposes.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between zipper and fastener?
While zipper is typically associated with a casual or informal tone, fastener can be used in both formal and informal contexts, making it a more versatile term.
