buttonhole
2 synonyms for buttonhole, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A small slit in a garment through which a button is fastened.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
button hole
Synonyms by Meaning
1. noun
A small slit in a garment through which a button is fastened.
“The tailor reinforced each buttonhole by hand.”
lobby
button hole
2. verb
To stop someone and keep them talking, often against their will.
“He buttonholed me in the hallway to complain about the new policy.”
Etymology
Originally "buttonhold" — a loop that held a button in place — later reshaped by folk etymology to end in "hole."
Full origin of buttonhole →Frequently asked questions
What does “buttonhole” mean?
The word “buttonhole” means a small slit in a garment through which a button is fastened. In plain terms, a slit for a button, a lapel flower, or (as a verb) cornering someone to talk at them.
How do you pronounce “buttonhole”?
“Buttonhole” is pronounced BUH-tuhn-hohl (/ˈbʌtənˌhoʊl/ in IPA).
How do you use “buttonhole” in a sentence?
Here is “buttonhole” used in a sentence: “The tailor reinforced each buttonhole by hand.”
What part of speech is “buttonhole”?
Depending on how it is used, “buttonhole” can be a noun and a verb.
How many meanings does “buttonhole” have?
“Buttonhole” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a small slit in a garment through which a button is fastened.
