boutonniere

noun

bou·​ton·​niere ˌbü-tə-ˈnir  ˌbü-tən-ˈyer 

: a flower or bouquet worn in a buttonhole

Examples of boutonniere in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Traditionally, dates exchange mums and garters, much like corsages and boutonnieres at prom, though anyone can wear one, regardless of having a date. —Brandi D. Addison, Austin American-Statesman, 16 Sep. 2024

Newell wore a strapless pink gown for the occasion, and Bowers’ pink boutonniere complemented his prom date’s dress. —Alexandra Hurtado, People.com, 29 Nov. 2024

So as an alternative to a bouquet and boutonniere, the couple instead donned vibrant accessories out of fabric. —Shelby Wax, Vogue, 25 Nov. 2024

For much of the United States, homecoming traditions revolve around simpler corsages and boutonnieres rather than the elaborate mums and garters worn by Texas students. —Brandi D. Addison, Austin American-Statesman, 16 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

French boutonnière buttonhole, from Middle French, from bouton button

First Known Use

circa 1867, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

boutonniere

noun

bou·​ton·​niere ˌbüt-ᵊn-ˈi(ə)r  ˌbü-tən-ˈye(ə)r 

: a flower or bouquet worn in a buttonhole