grommet meaning: definition, etymology and quotations

grommet

noun

UK /ˈɡɹɒm.ɪt/ · US /ˈɡɹɑ.mɪt/

Etymology From obsolete French gromette (“curb chain”) (modern spelling gourmette).

A reinforced eyelet, or a small metal or plastic ring used to reinforce an eyelet.

Nautical, Transport A ring formed of a single strand of rope, laid in three times round, fastening the upper edge of a sail to its stay.

An eyelet at the hoist end of a flag, used to fasten the flag to its halyard.

Hobbies, Lifestyle, Skateboarding, Snowboarding, Sports, Surfing Slang A young or inexperienced surfer, skateboarder, or snowboarder.

A boy serving on a ship.

Synonyms: cringle, grom
Derived terms: drop grommet, edge grommet, grommet edging, surgical grommet, cable grommet, grommet press, grommet punch

verb

Etymology From obsolete French gromette (“curb chain”) (modern spelling gourmette).

To insert a grommet into.

The device takes the form of a guard for the punch presses which are used in grommeting mail bags in the process of manufacture.1923, “American Machinist”, in (Please provide the book title or journal name), volume 58, numbers 23-26, page 919:
There was little point in grommeting the hole, since the wrapping was already as rigid and tough as its invisibility permitted.2007, Wil McCarthy, The Wellstone, page 225:

To fasten using a grommet.

To apply grommets.