A clipboard is a temporary storage area in a computer's memory that holds data that a user has copied or cut from a document or application. This allows users to easily transfer text, images, or files between different programs or locations without needing to retype or recreate the content. When a user copies something, it is saved to the clipboard until they paste it elsewhere or replace it with new data. The clipboard is a fundamental feature in many operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux, making it a vital tool for efficient digital work.