linoleum

noun

li·​no·​leum lə-ˈnō-lē-əm 

-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

The patterns on vinyl floors are only on the surface, while linoleum’s patterns go all the way through the material. — Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 23 July 2026

Without saying a word to her children, Janet scooped the shirt out of the sink and marched it across the kitchen, rosy splotches dotting the linoleum at her feet. — Lizz Schumer, PEOPLE, 23 July 2026

Would some good old-fashioned linoleum flooring help calm one down? — Padgett Powell, Harpers Magazine, 30 June 2026

Conceived as a space station atrium, the canteen-like room features the original cabinetry and island, though its formerly bright yellow accents are now a cool silver, and the holographic flooring has been switched out for biodegradable linoleum. — Alyssa Bird, Architectural Digest, 25 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Latin linum flax + oleum oil — more at oil

First Known Use

1878, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for linoleum

• folium
• lolium
• oleum
• scholium
• petroleum
• trifolium
• tetrazolium

Kids Definition

linoleum

noun

li·​no·​leum lə-ˈnō-lē-əm 

-ˈnōl-yəm

: a floor covering with a canvas back and a surface of hardened linseed oil and usually cork dust