boutonniere

[ boot-n-eer, boo-tuhn-yair ]

noun

1. a flower or small bouquet worn, usually by a man, in the buttonhole of a lapel.

boutonniere

/ ˌbʊtɒnɪˈɛə /

noun

1. another name for buttonhole

Word History and Origins

Origin of boutonniere¹

1875–80; < French boutonnière buttonhole ( bouton button + -ière suffix for things that facilitate the use of that denoted by the stem < Latin -āria -ary

Word History and Origins

Origin of boutonniere¹

C19: from French: buttonhole, from bouton button

Example Sentences

An after dinner cigar, and a little boutonniere of fragrant flowers furnished by a gray-haired old lady, completed the program.

From Project Gutenberg

At each place, beside the napkin, is a rich red rose, just large enough to form a dainty boutonniere.

From Project Gutenberg

He lifted the lapel of his coat, carrying the boutonniere to his nose.

From Project Gutenberg

Then as she glanced at the lapel of his coat she continued: "And you must have a boutonniere; may I select something for you?"

From Project Gutenberg

He seems to have passed it and to have plucked it casually,—but it is a boutonniere with tin foil round it.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• garland
• pot
• vase
• wreath