Buttonhook definitions
| Word backwards | koohnottub |
|---|---|
| Part of speech | The word "buttonhook" can be a noun or a verb. As a noun, it refers to a tool used for fastening buttons; as a verb, it means to fasten with a buttonhook. |
| Syllabic division | but-ton-hook |
| Plural | The plural of the word "buttonhook" is "buttonhooks." |
| Total letters | 10 |
| Vogais (2) | u,o |
| Consonants (5) | b,t,n,h,k |
A buttonhook is a small, curved tool typically made of metal or plastic designed to assist in fastening buttons on clothing. It features a pointed end to help guide the button through the buttonhole and a hook on the opposite end to easily grasp the button and pull it through.
Buttonhooks were particularly popular during the 18th and 19th centuries when clothing often featured intricate buttons and tight buttonholes that were challenging to fasten. They were especially useful for individuals with limited dexterity or those wearing gloves, as they provided a more efficient way to button up clothing.
History of Buttonhooks
The invention of the buttonhook is credited to Samuel S. Lowe, who patented the device in the United States in 1862. Before the advent of modern clothing fasteners like zippers and snaps, buttonhooks were indispensable tools found in many households, particularly among the upper classes where elaborate clothing designs were prevalent.
Types of Buttonhooks
Buttonhooks come in various designs and materials, ranging from simple metal hooks to ornate handles made of materials like ivory or mother-of-pearl. Some buttonhooks even featured retractable mechanisms for added convenience.
While the popularity of the buttonhook has waned with the rise of more modern clothing fasteners, these tools still hold a nostalgic charm and are often sought after by collectors of vintage clothing accessories.
Today, the buttonhook remains a functional tool for individuals who appreciate the elegance and historical significance of traditional clothing fasteners. Whether used to fasten antique garments or as a decorative piece in a collection, the buttonhook continues to evoke a sense of nostalgia for a bygone era.
Buttonhook Examples
- She used a buttonhook to fasten her dress.
- The antique buttonhook was a rare find at the thrift store.
- He struggled to undo the tight laces with the small buttonhook.
- The buttonhook helped her fix the buttons on her coat in no time.
- As a collector, he had a whole display of vintage buttonhooks.
- The seamstress used the buttonhook to attach decorative buttons to the garment.
- With a quick twist of the buttonhook, the buttons were secured in place.
- She always kept a buttonhook in her sewing kit for emergencies.
- The intricate design of the silver buttonhook caught her eye at the jewelry store.
- Using a buttonhook made it easier to button up his shoes with laces.