cobblestone
Americannoun
-
cobblestones
plural
noun
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Inflected Forms
Nouns
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!
Vocabulary lists containing cobblestone
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
See Examples For:
We would be sipping ice-cold spritzes at cafés overlooking the Mediterranean, frolicking down cobblestone streets lined with charming boutiques, and marveling at the frescoes and marble sculptures adorning grand cathedrals.
From MarketWatch ● Aug. 18, 2026
But another Nantucket exists too: one of quaint cobblestone streets, sunsets that have to be seen to be believed and secluded beaches where you can spend hours without seeing another soul.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 20, 2026
The shop is in Paved Court, a narrow, cobblestone pedestrian street lined with boutique shops, cafes and restaurants.
From BBC ● Feb. 1, 2026
Old-timers who never thought they would see an African soccer team playing at the home of the New England Patriots also never thought they would see people dancing on their cobblestone streets in tribal costumes.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 10, 1994
Sheets of water rolled down the cobblestone streets of Beacon Hill, and the sidewalks were filled with people holding umbrellas.
From "From the Desk of Zoe Washington" by Janae Marks
Tanks, jeeps and amphibious vehicles rolled over the cobblestones.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 14, 2026
The gray skies part, the clouds lift and a warm maternal comfort spreads across the film, creeping in like the sun’s rays falling on cobblestones still shining from a sudden downpour.
From Salon ● Jun. 29, 2026
The final rally of the "no" campaign was on Rome's majestic Piazza del Popolo, where some spelled out "Vote No" in white tape on the cobblestones.
From BBC ● Mar. 21, 2026
Once on the Parisian cobblestones, he could well become the real attraction.
From Barron's ● Jan. 30, 2026
She approached a flock that was about a hundred birds strong, all cooing and strutting across the cobblestones as if they owned the place.
From "The Wild Robot Escapes" by Peter Brown
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