grommet

American  

[grom-it] / ˈgrɒm ɪt /

noun

1. Machinery.

   1. any of various rings or eyelets of metal or the like.

   2. an insulated washer of rubber or plastic, inserted in a hole in a metal part to prevent grounding of a wire passing through the hole.

2. Nautical.

   1. a ring or strop of fiber or wire; becket.

   2. a ring having a thickness of three strands, made by forming a loop of a single strand, then laying the ends around the loop.

   3. a ring of fiber used as a seal or gasket, as under the head of a bolt.

3. a washer or packing for sealing joints between sections of pipe.

4. Military. a stiff ring of rubber or metal inside the top of a service cap, designed to keep the top of the cap stretched flat.

5. a metal-bound eyelet in cloth, sometimes used decoratively, as on a garment.

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verb (used with object)

1. to fasten with a grommet.

grommet British  

/ ˈɡrɒmɪt /

noun

1. a ring of rubber or plastic or a metal eyelet designed to line a hole to prevent a cable or pipe passed through it from chafing

2. a ring of rope hemp used to stuff the gland of a pipe joint

3. med a small tube inserted into the eardrum in cases of glue ear in order to allow air to enter the middle ear

4. informal a young or inexperienced surfer

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Etymology

Origin of grommet

First recorded in 1620–30, grommet is from the obsolete French word gromette curb of bridle < ?

Example Sentences

An ultra-thin belt with silver grommets that was also a waist bag.

From Los Angeles Times

The most common procedures are the insertion of grommets in the ears, removal of tonsils and adenoids, and orthopaedic surgery.

From BBC

The silvery grommets and distinct colorways, including light blue, geranium and mango, make this an eye-catching addition to your wardrobe.

From Los Angeles Times

In that tradition, he presents power looks for his Andreadamo grand with grommets and leather, tulle and knitwear that swaddle the form.

From Seattle Times

But they realized they needed an additional buffer, so they hung a removable soundproof curtain on the molding of the kitchen door to the basement, using grommets and hook-and-loop fasteners.

From Washington Post