hobnail

noun

hob·​nail ˈhäb-ˌnāl How to pronounce hobnail (audio)
: a short large-headed nail for studding shoe soles
hobnailed adjective

Examples of hobnail 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.
The shoe's heel area is still attached to it; its outer sole still contains hobnails. Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 22 June 2025 The design reveals typical Roman construction, with layered leather held together by thongs, stitching and metal hobnails used for a practical build for long-distance walking over rough terrain. Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 2019 Numerous hobnails were discovered near the feet of one individual. Amarachi Orie, CNN Money, 4 Apr. 2025 This one stands at just 24 inches high and comes with the most adorable hobnail container. Tessa Cooper, Southern Living, 4 Dec. 2024 Flashes of red in cloth napkins and ruby hobnail glasses create design rhythm to guide the eye around the table. Sandra S. Soria, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Nov. 2024 The set includes four matching glasses outfitted with a hobnail design that are practically begging to be filled with a summery cocktail or glass of lemonade this season. Clara McMahon, Peoplemag, 17 July 2024 Then there is the hobnail pattern which wraps uninterrupted around the entire case-band (or mid-case). Allen Farmelo, Robb Report, 16 July 2024 The dial is guilloched with a Clous de Paris hobnail pattern. Carol Besler, Robb Report, 24 Apr. 2023

Word History

Etymology

hob entry 2

First Known Use

1592, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hobnail was in 1592

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Hobnail.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hobnail. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

hobnail

noun
hob·​nail ˈhäb-ˌnāl How to pronounce hobnail (audio)
: a large-headed nail driven into the soles of heavy shoes as a protection against wear
hobnailed adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on hobnail

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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