Meaning & Definition of word "Buttonhole"
to
Buttonhole
/ˈbʌtənhoʊl/
noun:
- 1. A small slit or opening in a garment, designed to receive a button.
- Example: She carefully threaded the button through the buttonhole on her blouse.
- 2. The loop or fastening for a button on a piece of clothing.
- Example: The coat had a few missing buttonholes, so it didn't fasten properly.
verb:
- 1. To detain someone in conversation, typically to ask for a favor or information.
- Example: He buttonholed her at the party to discuss his new project.
- 2. To stop someone and engage them in conversation.
- Example: The journalist buttonholed the senator outside the conference.
Etymology
From the combination of 'button' and 'hole', referring to the hole for a button.
Common Phrases and Expressions
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.
Related Words
button:
A small disk or knob used for fastening garments.
hole:
A hollow place in a solid body or surface.
Slang Meanings of buttonhole
Meaning: To corner someone in a conversation.
Example Sentence: I don't want to get buttonholed by the sales guy.
Meaning: To hold someone captive for a chat.
Example Sentence: Every time I see him, he buttonholes me with the same story.