linoleum

noun

li·​no·​leum lə-ˈnō-lē-əm How to pronounce linoleum (audio)
-ˈnōl-yəm
often attributive
1
: a floor covering made by laying on a burlap or canvas backing a mixture of solidified linseed oil with gums, cork dust or wood flour or both, and usually pigments
2
: a material similar to linoleum

Examples of linoleum in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
As of last Thursday, a shop once full of color was mostly the off-white of the linoleum floors; the last piñatas, party supply packages and candies were mostly confined to a few center rows. Emiliano Tahui Gómez, Austin American-Statesman, 27 Aug. 2024 Formica countertops and linoleum flooring might be a thing of the past (for the better), but as a space that is so essential to Southern culture, the kitchen has—and always will—remain the heart of the home, no matter what cabinetry paint colors or kitchen islands trend is in. Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 27 Oct. 2024 Etch away the skin with a linoleum cutter, but be careful not to completely pierce through the rind. Ella Field, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Oct. 2024 The same method as cleaning linoleum works for buffing scratches or scuffs out of patent leather, soft white leather, sneaker midsoles, or vinyl. Mary Catherine McAnnally Scott, Southern Living, 5 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for linoleum 

Word History

Etymology

Latin linum flax + oleum oil — more at oil

First Known Use

1878, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of linoleum was in 1878

Dictionary Entries Near linoleum

Cite this Entry

“Linoleum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/linoleum. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

linoleum

noun
li·​no·​leum lə-ˈnō-lē-əm How to pronounce linoleum (audio)
-ˈnōl-yəm
: a floor covering with a canvas back and a surface of hardened linseed oil and usually cork dust

More from Merriam-Webster on linoleum

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!