buttonhole

[ buht-n-hohl ]

noun

1. the hole, slit, or loop through which a button is passed and by which it is secured.
2. Chiefly British. a boutonniere.
3. Surgery. a short, straight incision through the wall of a cavity or a canal.

verb (used with object)

, but·ton·holed, but·ton·hol·ing.

1. to sew with a buttonhole stitch.
2. to make buttonholes in.
3. to hold by the buttonhole or otherwise abruptly detain (someone) in conversation:

   The reporter tried to buttonhole the mayor for a statement on the bus strike.

buttonhole

/ ˈbʌtənˌhəʊl /

noun

1. a slit in a garment, etc, through which a button is passed to fasten two surfaces together
2. a flower or small bunch of flowers worn pinned to the lapel or in the buttonhole, esp at weddings, formal dances, etc US nameboutonniere

verb

1. to detain (a person) in conversation
2. to make buttonholes in
3. to sew with buttonhole stitch

Other Words From

• button·holer noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of buttonhole¹

First recorded in 1555–65; button + hole

Example Sentences

The details are all business, including four-hole buttons that never loosened or stretched the buttonholes during months of daily wear and regular washing.

From Outside Online

It was impossible to build a relationship at the bedside or buttonhole doctors on their rounds, the way they could have in non-pandemic times.

From ProPublica

Dutifully and admiringly, she records what would easily go unnoticed — the stitching on a buttonhole, the irregularities of a shadow.

From Washington Post

Samuel P. Jacobs talks to Ken Mehlman about how he helped buttonhole and raise bucks for victory.

From The Daily Beast

And there on the quay, with a flower in his buttonhole and a smile on his fat face, stood Mr. Ras Fendihook.

From Project Gutenberg

Cut the buttonhole slot, then punch a hole at the end with an ordinary belt punch.

From Project Gutenberg

In making the buttonhole stitch, keep the needle close against the metal edge of the guide, as shown.

From Project Gutenberg

It is almost impossible to make a perfect buttonhole in the ordinary manner by hand without a guide.

From Project Gutenberg

"You will find out by and by," said Uncle William, coming in with a red rose in his buttonhole.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• assail
• demand
• force
• petition
• push
• squeeze
• sue
• urge
• worry