cobblestone

American  

[kob-uhl-stohn] / ˈkɒb əlˌstoʊn /

noun

1. a naturally rounded stone, larger than a pebble and smaller than a boulder, formerly used in paving.

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cobblestone British  

/ ˈkɒbəlˌstəʊn /

noun

1. Sometimes shortened to: cobble.  a rounded stone used for paving Compare sett

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• cobblestoned
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of cobblestone

First recorded in 1400–50, cobblestone is from the late Middle English word cobylstone. See cobble ¹, stone

Explanation

Cobblestones are rounded rocks that were commonly used to pave streets starting in the 15th century. In some very old cities, you can still walk and drive over cobblestones. Cobblestone is often used to describe a square granite paver known as a sett or a Belgian block. Authentic cobblestones, which are round and slightly irregular in size, were used as they were found in nature rather than being carved into shape the way setts are. The word comes from cob, or "lump." Strolling down a cobblestone street can feel a little precarious, especially if you're wearing high-heeled shoes!

Related Words

• artery
• asphalt
• avenue
• boulevard
• byway
• expressway
• freeway
• highway
• lane
• parking lot
• path
• pathway
• pavement
• route
• street
• subway
• superhighway
• terrace
• thoroughfare
• turnpike