Meaning & Definition of word "Buttonhole"

Buttonhole

/ˈbʌtənhoʊl/

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.

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.

●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.

button:

A small disk or knob used for fastening garments.

hole:

A hollow place in a solid body or surface.

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.