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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.
Fueled by their presence in diners and the rise of linoleum flooring—which made the style easier and cheaper to install—the familiar black-and-white checkered floor quickly took over kitchens and bathrooms. Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 22 Nov. 2025 While printmaking equipment and specialized techniques can be intimidating, linoleum blocks are relatively easy to carve. The Atlantic, 19 Nov. 2025 Stamped tin roof shingles were replicated and replaced; remnants of linoleum were preserved; and original pine walls and wood flooring were refinished. Carly Olson, Architectural Digest, 17 Nov. 2025 The works are technical marvels, hyper-detailed linocut prints, for which Romero has carved into linoleum many thousands of fine lines that come together into fantastical scenes. Ray Mark Rinaldi, Denver Post, 31 Oct. 2025 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

Cite this Entry

“Linoleum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/linoleum. Accessed 7 Dec. 2025.

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
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