: a short large-headed nail for studding shoe soles
Examples of hobnail in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Often seen on milk glass—an opaque, white glassware that rose to popularity in the early 20th century—the classic hobnail pattern features raised bumps or studs, giving the glass a distinctive, tactile look.
—
Kendall Bettle, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 July 2025
The shoe's heel area is still attached to it; its outer sole still contains hobnails.
—Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 22 June 2025
The design reveals typical Roman construction, with layered leather held together by thongs, stitching and metal hobnails used for a practical build for long-distance walking over rough terrain.
—Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 2019
Numerous hobnails were discovered near the feet of one individual.
—Amarachi Orie, CNN Money, 4 Apr. 2025
This one stands at just 24 inches high and comes with the most adorable hobnail container.
—Tessa Cooper, Southern Living, 4 Dec. 2024
Flashes of red in cloth napkins and ruby hobnail glasses create design rhythm to guide the eye around the table.
—Sandra S. Soria, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Nov. 2024
The set includes four matching glasses outfitted with a hobnail design that are practically begging to be filled with a summery cocktail or glass of lemonade this season.
—Clara McMahon, Peoplemag, 17 July 2024
Then there is the hobnail pattern which wraps uninterrupted around the entire case-band (or mid-case).
—Allen Farmelo, Robb Report, 16 July 2024
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.
Kendall Bettle, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 July 2025
The shoe's heel area is still attached to it; its outer sole still contains hobnails.
—Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 22 June 2025
The design reveals typical Roman construction, with layered leather held together by thongs, stitching and metal hobnails used for a practical build for long-distance walking over rough terrain.
—Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 2019
Numerous hobnails were discovered near the feet of one individual.
—Amarachi Orie, CNN Money, 4 Apr. 2025
This one stands at just 24 inches high and comes with the most adorable hobnail container.
—Tessa Cooper, Southern Living, 4 Dec. 2024
Flashes of red in cloth napkins and ruby hobnail glasses create design rhythm to guide the eye around the table.
—Sandra S. Soria, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Nov. 2024
The set includes four matching glasses outfitted with a hobnail design that are practically begging to be filled with a summery cocktail or glass of lemonade this season.
—Clara McMahon, Peoplemag, 17 July 2024
Then there is the hobnail pattern which wraps uninterrupted around the entire case-band (or mid-case).
—Allen Farmelo, Robb Report, 16 July 2024
Cite this Entry
“Hobnail.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hobnail. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share