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 Swiffer Sweeper is perfect for picking up dust, dirt, and pet hair from hardwood, linoleum, or tile floors. —Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 18 Apr. 2026

While her feet were firmly planted on the white linoleum floor at Nelson County High School, suspended from the ceiling tiles above the Air Force Junior ROTC cadet’s head were model airplanes of stealth bombers and fighter jets. —Stephanie Kuzydym, Louisville Courier Journal, 18 Mar. 2026

White vinegar works best on tile, linoleum, and vinyl flooring but shouldn’t be used on natural stone or hardwood floors. —Alexandra Kelly, Martha Stewart, 14 Feb. 2026

It’s got gray linoleum floors, worn to nothing in front of the cash register. —James Rainey, Los Angeles Times, 28 Jan. 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