- something that fastens, such as a clasp or lock
WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026
fas•ten•ing /ˈfæsənɪŋ/USA pronunciation
n. [countable]
WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026- something that fastens, such as a lock or clasp.
fas•ten•ing
(fas′ə ning, fä′sə-),USA pronunciation n.
- something that fastens, as a lock or clasp.
- 1125–75; Middle English; see fasten, -ing1
Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::
fastening /ˈfɑːsənɪŋ/ n
fas•ten /ˈfæsən/USA pronunciation
v.
WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026- to attach firmly or securely in place or to something else;
connect:[~ + object]to fasten a light switch securely to the wall. - to (cause to) be secure, as an article of dress with buttons, clasps, etc., or a door with a lock, bolt, etc.: [~ + object]Fasten the window.[no object]This clasp won't fasten.
- to direct (the eyes, thoughts, etc.) intently;
focus attention: [~ + object]She fastened her eyes on him during the entire performance.[~ + on]His gaze fastened on the jewels.
fas•ten
(fas′ən, fä′sən),USA pronunciation v.t.
v.i.
- to attach firmly or securely in place;
fix securely to something else. - to make secure, as an article of dress with buttons, clasps, etc., or a door with a lock, bolt, etc.
- to enclose securely, as a person or an animal (usually fol. by in):to fasten a monkey in a cage.
- to attach, associate, or connect:to fasten a nickname on someone.
- to direct (the eyes, thoughts, etc.) intently:to fasten one's eyes on a speaker.
v.i.
- to become fast, fixed, or firm.
- to close firmly or securely;
lock:This clasp won't fasten. - to take a firm hold;
seize (usually fol. by on or upon):to fasten on an idea. - to focus attention;
concentrate (usually fol. by on or upon):His gaze fastened on the jewels.
- bef. 900; Middle English fastenen, Old English fæstnian; cognate with Old Norse fastna to betroth; akin to fast1
- 1. connect, link, hook, clasp, clinch, rivet, clamp, bind, tie, tether.
Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::
fasten /ˈfɑːsən/ vb
- to make or become fast or secure
- to make or become attached or joined
- to close or become closed by fixing firmly in place, locking, etc
- (transitive; followed by in or up) to enclose or imprison
- (transitive) usually followed by on: to cause (blame, a nickname, etc) to be attached (to); place (on) or impute (to)
- usually followed by on or upon: to direct or be directed in a concentrated way; fix
- (intransitive) usually followed by on: take firm hold (of)
'fastening' also found in these entries (note: many are not synonyms or translations):
attachment
- bayonet
- buckle
- button
- catch up
- clasp
- cordon
- drawing pin
- fixture
- fly
- frog
- hasp
- hitch
- knot
- lap joint
- latch
- lock
- nail
- pantaloons
- peg
- pin
- press stud
- rivet
- screw
- shackle
- shoelace
- shoot
- skate
- tab
- tack
- tape
- thumbtack
- tie
- toggle
- Velcro
- watchband
- watch chain
- watchstrap
- zip
- apsis
- barrel bolt
- barrel knot
- binding
- block
- bolt
- box bolt
- built-up
- butterfly wedge
- cabin hook
- carabiner