buttonhole
noun · verb
Simple meaning
A hole through which a button is pushed to secure a garment or some part of one.
Pronunciation
Say it like this:
buhtuhnhohlSay the bold part a little louder.
IPA pronunciation (US)
ˈbʌtənhoʊl
This word is pronounced essentially the same in American and British English, so one transcription covers both.
IPA (International Phonetic Alphabet) is a standard way of writing speech sounds.
Definition
Everyday modern meanings first, grouped by part of speech.
noun
chiefly british
A flower worn in a buttonhole for decoration.
A hole through which a button is pushed to secure a garment or some part of one.
attributive
So shaped that it can be worn on a buttonhole or it is similar to a buttonhole.
The mouth, nose or eyes of a tiny appearance.
verb
Detain in conversation by or as if by holding on to the outer garments of; as for political or economic favors
transitivecolloquial
To detain (a person) in conversation against their will.
transitive
To sew by buttonhole stitch.
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Synonyms
Sense: flower worn in a buttonhole for decoration
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