1 buttonhole | Definition of buttonhole

buttonhole

noun
but·​ton·​hole | \ ˈbə-tᵊn-ˌhōl How to pronounce buttonhole (audio) \

Definition of buttonhole

 (Entry 1 of 3)

1 : a slit or loop through which a button is passed
2 chiefly British : boutonniere

buttonhole

verb (1)
buttonholed; buttonholing; buttonholes

Definition of buttonhole (Entry 2 of 3)

transitive verb

1 : to furnish with buttonholes
2 : to work with buttonhole stitch

buttonhole

verb (2)
buttonholed; buttonholing; buttonholes

Definition of buttonhole (Entry 3 of 3)

transitive verb

: to detain in conversation by or as if by holding on to the outer garments of

Other Words from buttonhole

Verb (1)

buttonholer \ ˈbə-​tᵊn-​ˌhō-​lər How to pronounce buttonholer (audio) \ noun

First Known Use of buttonhole

Noun

1534, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb (1)

1852, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb (2)

1848, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for buttonhole

Verb (2)

alteration of buttonhold

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More Definitions for buttonhole

buttonhole

noun

English Language Learners Definition of buttonhole

: a hole in clothing through which a button is passed in order to fasten something

buttonhole

noun
but·​ton·​hole | \ ˈbə-tᵊn-ˌhōl How to pronounce buttonhole (audio) \

Kids Definition of buttonhole

: a slit or loop for fastening a button

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More from Merriam-Webster on buttonhole

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with buttonhole

Spanish Central: Translation of buttonhole

Nglish: Translation of buttonhole for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of buttonhole for Arabic Speakers