noun
buttonhole
BUH-tuhn-hohl
Buttonhole (noun) means a small slit in a garment through which a button is fastened. Example: “The tailor reinforced each buttonhole by hand.”
noun
1
A small slit in a garment through which a button is fastened.
"The tailor reinforced each buttonhole by hand."
2
A flower worn pinned to a lapel for decoration.
"The groom wore a white rose as his buttonhole."
verb
1
To stop someone and keep them talking, often against their will.
"He buttonholed me in the hallway to complain about the new policy."
"She got buttonholed by a salesman on her way out of the store."
How to use buttonhole
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA slit for a button, a lapel flower, or (as a verb) cornering someone to talk at them.
Memory tip
The verb sense ("he buttonholed me") is common in everyday speech and always means an unwanted, trapped conversation.
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Word forms
- Plural
- buttonholes
- Third person singular
- buttonholes
- Past tense
- buttonholed
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The tailor reinforced each _____ by hand.
Etymology
Originally "buttonhold" — a loop that held a button in place — later reshaped by folk etymology to end in "hole."
Synonyms
View more →
lobby
button hole
Related words
Rhymes for buttonhole
See all rhymes for 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.
