Buttonhole

/ˈbʌtənhoʊl/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A small slit or opening in a garment, designed to receive a button.

She carefully threaded the button through the buttonhole on her blouse.

The loop or fastening for a button on a piece of clothing.

The coat had a few missing buttonholes, so it didn't fasten properly.

verb

To detain someone in conversation, typically to ask for a favor or information.

He buttonholed her at the party to discuss his new project.

To stop someone and engage them in conversation.

The journalist buttonholed the senator outside the conference.

From the combination of 'button' and 'hole', referring to the hole for a button.

buttonhole someone:

To detain someone in conversation, often insistently.

buttonhole a jacket:

To refer to the buttonhole on a jacket for fastening.

a buttonhole bloom:

Refers to a flower worn in a buttonhole as a decoration.

To corner someone in a conversation.

I don't want to get buttonholed by the sales guy.

To hold someone captive for a chat.

Every time I see him, he buttonholes me with the same story.