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:
Security footage showed one of the men staggering down the cobblestone sidewalks of São Paulo’s historic center under the weight of the framed prints as people strolled by, seemingly unaware of the heist under way.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 18, 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
A few distant screeches of brooms on cobblestone, that’s all.
From Salon ● Nov. 8, 2025
The street's colourful buildings, cobblestone pavement, and curved layout make it a popular setting for tourists and influencers to photograph.
From BBC ● Jul. 17, 2025
He could see the glare of a broad avenue at the top of the long cobblestone incline.
From "Catch-22" by Joseph Heller
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 gruelling French farm tracks with their jagged cobblestones seem barely fit for a cow's hoof, let alone a Lycra-clad cyclists' thin tyre and ultra-light bike.
From BBC ● Apr. 13, 2026
Once on the Parisian cobblestones, he could well become the real attraction.
From Barron's ● Jan. 30, 2026
The cobblestones were losing the last of the sun’s heat and the wind was picking up.
From "The Name of the Wind" by Patrick Rothfuss
Definitions 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.
