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 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

For smaller and more intricate details, use: A linoleum tool with multiple tips to scrape out patterns or etch the rind. —Cody Godwin, USA Today, 17 Oct. 2025

Our vacuum operated like a squeegee, pulling dirt from tile, linoleum, and wooden floors. —IEEE Spectrum, 15 Oct. 2025

Use a damp mop to clean linoleum, tile, and hardwood flooring regularly. —Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 8 Oct. 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