A buttonhole is a small slit or opening in a piece of fabric, usually located on a shirt or jacket, that is designed to accommodate a button. This simple yet essential feature has been a part of clothing design for centuries and has evolved into a variety of shapes, sizes, and styles.
Definitions
A buttonhole is defined as a slit or loop made in a garment or fabric to receive a button or fastener. It is a small hole or slit in a piece of fabric that is used for fastening a button. The word buttonhole can also refer to the act of making a buttonhole or to the stitch used to create it.
Origin
The origin of the word buttonhole can be traced back to the Middle Ages when clothing was fastened with laces or pins. The first buttonholes were made by cutting a small slit in the fabric and then binding the edges with thread to prevent fraying. As buttons became more common in the 16th century, the buttonhole evolved into its current form.
Meaning in different dictionaries
The meaning of buttonhole in different dictionaries is quite similar. The Oxford English Dictionary defines buttonhole as “a slit or loop in a garment or fabric through which a button is passed to fasten it.” Merriam-Webster defines buttonhole as “a slit or loop through which a button is passed to fasten a garment.” Collins Dictionary defines buttonhole as “a slit in a garment or fabric through which a button is passed to fasten it.”
Associations
Buttonholes are often associated with formal wear, such as suits, jackets, and dress shirts, and are a key element in creating a polished and professional look. They are also used in casual wear, such as denim jackets and shirts, and can be decorative as well as functional.
Synonyms
Synonyms for buttonhole include eyelet, fastening, loop, clasp, and closure.
Antonyms
Antonyms for buttonhole include unfasten, unbutton, and undo.
The same root words
The word buttonhole is derived from the Old English word “byttanhóll,” which means “button hole.” The word “button” comes from the Old French word “bouton,” and the word “hole” comes from the Old English word “hol.”
Example Sentences
- She carefully sewed the buttonholes onto the shirt.
- He struggled to button his jacket through the small buttonhole.
- The tailor made sure the buttonholes on the suit were perfectly aligned.
- She used a special tool to punch the buttonhole into the leather belt.
- The dress had a row of decorative buttonholes down the front.