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.
The tub, toilet and sink are all white, shining more or less, and the room has faded bluish linoleum on the floor and tired, dirty-pink walls. — Literary Hub, 24 Aug. 2026 While much of the abode remains true to its original form, Injijian notably updated the two bathrooms, removing the linoleum in the baby-blue, main-floor bathroom and replacing it with penny travertine. — Tori Latham, Robb Report, 24 Aug. 2026 At Toyon, carpet was replaced with rugs and easy-to-clean linoleum floors. — Kate Sequeira, Los Angeles Times, 4 Aug. 2026 Birdie sat on the cool linoleum, half in the closet and half in the hall. — Rachel Yoder, New Yorker, 2 Aug. 2026 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

Rhymes for linoleum

See All Rhymes for linoleum

Browse Nearby Words

linolenin
linoleum
linoleum-block printing
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Linoleum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/linoleum. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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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

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about linoleum

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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