What does hasp mean?
A hasp is a hinged fastening used to keep a door, lid, gate, chest, or similar object closed. Its movable metal bar drops over or fits against a fixed staple or catch, and it can often be secured with a padlock for added protection. The word is especially useful when precision matters: although a clasp or latch may serve a similar purpose, a hasp specifically suggests a hinged metal fitting with a movable bar. As a verb, “hasp” means to fasten something with this kind of fitting, although the verb is less common than the noun. In everyday description, a hasp may appear on a shed door, toolbox, storage chest, or container lid. The term is not limited to British or American English and is understood across both varieties.
A hinged metal fastening used to secure a door, lid, gate, chest, or other object, often with a staple or catch that receives its movable bar.
"He fastened the hasp and placed a padlock through its handle."
The noun is common in descriptions of hardware, storage containers, gates, sheds, and similar objects.
To fasten or secure something with a hasp.
"The sailors hasped the hatch and prepared the vessel for rough weather."
The verb is less common than the noun and has a somewhat technical or formal tone.
The standard plural is “hasps.” The word is also commonly used attributively, as in “door hasp” and “lid hasp.”
"Several loose hasps were kept in the workshop drawer."
A hasp is a clasp with a movable bar—essentially a tiny metal gatekeeper for doors, chests, and toolboxes.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does hasp come from?
The word comes through Middle English from Old English hæspe, meaning a fastening or clasp. It belongs to a Germanic word family that includes Old Norse hespa and German Haspe, all referring to fastenings or clasps. The precise prehistoric origin is uncertain, but the modern English noun and verb continue a long-established meaning connected with securing an opening.
Related word forms
How hasp is actually used
The noun is common in practical, technical, and descriptive contexts, especially for doors, lids, gates, boxes, and chests. The verb is less frequent and tends to sound formal or technical; it is especially associated with securing doors, hatches, and other fastenings.
Easily confused with hasp
A clasp is a broad term for any fastener that joins or secures two things, whereas a hasp is specifically a hinged fastening with a movable bar that fits over a staple or catch.