Definition

1. Noun:
   • A hole through which a button is passed to fasten a garment: A "buttonhole" is a small slit or reinforced opening in fabric, specifically designed for a button to pass through, securing two parts of clothing together.

Usage

• The word "buttonhole" is a compound noun. It is used to describe a specific part of a garment's construction. It is typically a count noun (e.g., , ).
• It refers to the functional opening, not the decorative stitch often used to finish it (which is called "buttonhole stitch").

Examples

• Noun:
  • The tailor made a new buttonhole on the coat.
  • One of the buttonholes on his shirt was torn.
  • She carefully threaded the button through the buttonhole.

Advanced Usage

• "To buttonhole someone" (verb, idiomatic): To detain someone in conversation, typically against their will. This is a figurative use derived from the idea of physically grabbing someone by the buttonhole on their coat to stop them.
  • The reporter managed to buttonhole the senator for a quick comment.

Variants and Related Words

• Button (noun): The small disc or knob sewn to one side of a garment that fits into the buttonhole.
• Buttonhole stitch (noun): A strong, decorative stitch used to finish the edges of a buttonhole.
• Buttonholer (noun): A person who makes buttonholes, or a device or attachment for a sewing machine that makes them.

Synonyms

• Button loop: (Specifically a loop, often of thread or fabric, that functions like a buttonhole).
• Frog (noun): An ornamental braided button and loop closure, where the loop serves the function of a buttonhole.

Phrasal Verbs / Related Verb

• Buttonhole (verb): As described in "Advanced Usage," meaning to accost and detain in conversation.

Related Idioms

• "To take someone by the buttonhole": An older phrase meaning to grab someone's attention by the buttonhole of their coat, leading to the modern verb "to buttonhole."
  • He took me by the buttonhole and told me the whole story.

Noun

1. a hole through which buttons are pushed