thumbhole

[thuhm-hohl]

noun

1. a hole into which a thumb can be inserted, as to provide a grip.

Word History and Origins

Origin of thumbhole¹

First recorded in 1855–60; thumb + hole

Example Sentences

There are magnetic closures instead of buttons, and thumbhole cuffs to keep jacket sleeves in place.

From Washington Post

Punch a thumbhole through the bottom of the sleeve to secure the gloves, then pull on a second pair of gloves.

From Washington Times

He does, however, plan to stop his tradition of providing passers-by with shots of Polish cherry liqueur out of the thumbhole of a bowling ball.

From Seattle Times

After 21 years in the same Ralph Wilson Stadium lot, Ken Johnson plans to take his 1980 Pinto grill, filing cabinet pizza oven and, yes, his bowling ball thumbhole shots of liqueur across the street.

From New York Times

For each note the upper circle represents the thumbhole; 1 and 2 are for the first and second fingers respectively. 

From Project Gutenberg