hob·nail | \ ˈhäb-ˌnāl 
\
\Definition of hobnail
: a short large-headed nail for studding shoe soles
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Other Words from hobnail
hobnailed \ ˈhäb-ˌnāld \ adjective
\ adjectiveExamples of hobnail in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web These gorgeous nesting mixing bowls will bring tears of joy to any amateur baker’s eye, what with their durability and elegant hobnail pattern.
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Sarah Vincelette, USA TODAY, "20 amazing gifts to buy from Bed, Bath & Beyond under $30," 10 Nov. 2020 This version has had the date complication removed and the skeletonized rotor swapped out for one with an elegant hobnail pattern on it.
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Stephen Pulvirent, Bloomberg.com, "Time Ticks on for Audemars Piguet With a New Collection of Watches," 14 Mar. 2020 Most conspicuous of all are the glinting hobnails in the sole of the boot on the left.
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Sebastian Smee, Washington Post, "Van Gogh puts feet first with ‘A Pair of Boots’," 31 Oct. 2019 Decked out in green puttees, hobnail boots and a bomber jacket.
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Amanda Demarco, WSJ, "‘Berlin Alexanderplatz’ Review: A Low-Life for the Ages," 23 Mar. 2018
See MoreThese example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'hobnail.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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Time Traveler for hobnail
The first known use of hobnail was in 1592
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