What does karabiner mean?
A karabiner is a small metal connector with a spring-loaded gate, most often used to attach a rope or strap to a harness, anchor, or other piece of equipment. Opening its gate generally requires deliberate pressure, and some models include a locking mechanism to reduce the risk of accidental opening. Karabiners are common in climbing, mountaineering, caving, rescue work, rigging, and general outdoor activities. The word is also used for the small clip that fastens a watch to a waistcoat or belt. British English commonly prefers the spelling karabiner, while carabiner is the more usual spelling in American English. Although the equipment may resemble a hook, its name derives from the German term Karabinerhaken, literally “carbine hook,” reflecting its resemblance to the hooked bayonet formerly associated with a carbine.
nounA metal connector with a spring-loaded gate, used to attach one end of a rope or strap to another piece of equipment. It may be opened under tension and, in some designs, can be locked.
- A spring-loaded metal connector used to join ropes, straps, harnesses, or other equipment.
"She clipped the rope securely to the harness with a locking karabiner."
"The climber secured both ends of the sling to her harness with locking karabiners."
"The technician attached the lifting strap to the anchor using a steel karabiner."
The standard plural adds -s.
"The guide checked every karabiner before starting the climb."
A karabiner takes its name indirectly from the carbine: German speakers originally called the device a Karabinerhaken, or “carbine hook,” because of its resemblance to the military weapon’s hook.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does karabiner come from?
Karabiner comes from the German Karabinerhaken, a compound meaning “carbine hook.” Karabiner itself derives from Karabiner, the German term for a carbine, a compact firearm derived in turn from French carabine. The word was borrowed into English for spring-loaded connectors used in climbing and military equipment, with carabiner becoming an established alternative spelling.
How karabiner is actually used
In British English, karabiner is especially common in climbing, mountaineering, and rescue contexts. American English more often uses the spelling carabiner, although both spellings are understood. The term may also refer specifically to the clip used to fasten a fob watch to a belt.
Easily confused with karabiner
Carabiner and karabiner are variant spellings of the same connector, though karabiner is especially common in British and climbing contexts.