Buttonholder

/ˈbʌtən.hoʊldər/ noun

Definition

A device or person that holds buttons in place, or another term for a buttonhole.

Etymology

Compound of 'button' and 'holder,' where 'holder' means something that contains or secures something else.

Kelly Says

This word reveals how English compounds can describe the same thing multiple ways—some people said 'button holder' for the opening, while others said 'buttonhole,' and language democratically chose the shorter term.

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