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

Another homeowner, as reported by Newsweek, found a vintage linoleum floor under a carpet after ripping it up during a renovation process. —Matthew Impelli, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Apr. 2025

The same method as cleaning linoleum works for buffing scratches or scuffs out of patent leather, soft white leather, sneaker midsoles, or vinyl. —Mary Catherine McAnnally Scott, Southern Living, 17 Mar. 2025

The metal desks, plastic chairs and linoleum tiles resemble those in public schools across the country. —Lovia Gyarkye, HollywoodReporter, 3 Sep. 2019

These same sensors are now deployed by robot vacuum manufacturers to help devices distinguish between different floor types, like linoleum, carpet or tile. —Lisya Bahar Manoah, Forbes, 12 Mar. 2025

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