ferrule

noun

fer·rule | \ ˈfer-əl

, ˈfe-rəl\

Definition of ferrule

1 : a ring or cap usually of metal put around a slender shaft (such as a cane or a tool handle) to strengthen it or prevent splitting

2 : a usually metal sleeve used especially for joining or binding one part to another (such as pipe sections or the bristles and handle of a brush)

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Did You Know?

Ferrule is a word for a simple metal band or cap of great versatility. The ferrule is ubiquitous. It is the cap at the end of a cane or crutch, a chair or table leg; it is the point or knob at the hub of an umbrella; it fits together tubes and pipes and binds paintbrush handles to bristles and pencils to erasers. In Middle English this universal thingamajig was called a verrel. That word commonly referred to the strengthening bands or rings of iron used to prevent the splitting or wear of the wooden shafts of implements. The name evolved from Middle French virelle and Old French virol and ultimately from Latin viriola, meaning "small bracelet." The "f" spelling of today's ferrule was influenced by ferrum, the Latin word for "iron."

Examples of ferrule in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

If the cotton wisp turns out to be too thin to match the color variations on your tile, try using a thin artist brush with the bristles cut off close to the ferrule. — Jeanne Huber, Washington Post, "Cracked kitchen tiles? Try a patch.," 10 June 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'ferrule.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.