How to pronounce buttonhole
Say it like BUHT-un-hohl. Buttonhole has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (BUHT).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce buttonhole. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- BUHT
- un
- hohl
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Buttonhole pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- BUHTSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "u" in cup.
- unKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- hohlGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "o" in go.
American vs British pronunciation of buttonhole
- The long o starts further forward in British English, closer to "uh-oo" than the American "oh".
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: BUHT-un-hohl.
What does buttonhole mean?
- A hole through which a button is pushed to secure a garment or some part of one.
- A flower worn in a buttonhole for decoration.
- So shaped that it can be worn on a buttonhole or it is similar to a buttonhole.
- To detain (a person) in conversation against their will.
- To cut one or more buttonholes (in).
- To sew by buttonhole stitch.
Where does buttonhole come from?
Originally buttonhold (“a loop of string to hold a button down”), but changed by folk etymology by influence of hole.
Questions about saying buttonhole
How do you pronounce buttonhole?
Say BUHT-un-hohl. The American pronunciation is /ˈbʌtənˌhoʊl/. In British English it is /ˈbʌtənˌhəʊl/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in buttonhole?
Buttonhole has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (BUHT). Broken into parts: BUHT · un · hohl.
Is buttonhole pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. The long o starts further forward in British English, closer to "uh-oo" than the American "oh". The British form is /ˈbʌtənˌhəʊl/ (BUHT-un-hohl).