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:
As we walk down the cobblestone street of the Grove, Matt mentions that he is looking forward to meeting people at his best friend’s wedding.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 2, 2026
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
When he returns from a day of walking cobblestone streets or a bike tour, he expects a warm towel and afternoon tea, not a DJ.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 29, 2026
The shop is in Paved Court, a narrow, cobblestone pedestrian street lined with boutique shops, cafes and restaurants.
From BBC ● Feb. 1, 2026
He stopped to rest beneath a low passageway off an ancient cobblestone street.
From "The Marvels" by Brian Selznick
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
Once on the Parisian cobblestones, he could well become the real attraction.
From Barron's ● Jan. 30, 2026
People are generally more helpful and for getting around there are more things like dropped curbs, although the cobblestones, of which there are lots, are a challenge for a wheelchair user.
From BBC ● Sep. 8, 2024
The rain had lightened to a drizzle, but the cobblestones of the path down to the beach were slick, and she walked carefully.
From "Huntress" by Malinda Lo
Random Word
Spin the wheel and learn a new word!
Get a wordDefinitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
