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thumbhole

thumbhole

1 6.2
A hole that fits the thumb in objects like a flute or bowling ball
  • noun
  • /ˈθʌmˌhoʊl/
: agujero para el pulgar
  • When playing the instrument, make sure your thumb fits comfortably in the thumbhole for optimal sound.
  • thumbhole stock

Examples

  • The entire sensor package, incorporating a rechargeable battery, was shrink-wrapped and inserted into the thumbhole.

    Academic text (2011)
  • My students know the thumbhole needs to be covered except when certain pitches are present, and they are taught that as needed.

    Academic text (1998)
  • Oryhara has done precisely that with his thumbhole buttstock design.

    Blog text (13)
  • I'll tell you one thing I'm gonna do before I roll ball one down that alley is ask TC to check that nobody put plastique in the thumbhole.

  • The result was that the same functioning firearms were imported the day after the "ban" went into effect without a bayonet lug or flash hider, and with a thumbhole stock instead of a pistol grip.

    Blog text (21)
  • I consider myself to be a connoisseur of athletic apparel featuring thumbholes, so I was initially pretty amped about the ones on the Pink Ribbon 1/4 Zip Top.

    Blog text (33)
  • This jacket has some great features such as a fold-down, high-visibility bike reflector, multi-use inner accessory pocket, and super cool thumbhole cuffs (which Little C loves).

    Blog text (21)
  • The thumbhole in the new design allows for better grip and control while shooting.

  • The bowling ball features a thumbhole designed to fit snugly, enhancing the player's grip.

Surface Forms

thumbhole singular
thumbholes plural

Morphology

thumbhole = thumb + hole (transparent) = thumb + hole

A direct compound of 'thumb' + 'hole'; the meaning (a hole sized for a thumb) is directly inferable.

Etymology

The word thumbhole is made from two everyday words, thumb and hole, literally a 'hole' for the 'thumb'. So a thumbhole is the small opening on instruments, bowling balls, or tools that is made to fit and hold your thumb.