cobble
UK: ˈkɒb.əl | US: ˈkɑː.bəl
n. a naturally rounded stone, especially one used for paving
vt. to roughly assemble or put together something hastily
vt. to repair or mend (shoes or other leather goods)
cobble = cob<rounded lump> + le<diminutive/frequentative suffix>
- cob (from Middle English cobbe, meaning "rounded lump or head")
- le (a suffix often used to form diminutives or verbs indicating repeated action)
Etymology Origin:
The word cobble traces back to Middle English cobbe, referring to a rounded object or lump. Over time, it evolved to describe rounded stones used for paving streets ("cobblestones") and later extended to the act of hastily assembling or repairing (e.g., "cobbling shoes"). The suffix -le adds a sense of smallness or repetition, reinforcing the idea of working with small, rounded objects or doing something in a rough, iterative manner.
The old town’s streets were paved with smooth cobbles.
He managed to cobble together a makeshift shelter from scraps of wood.
The shoemaker cobbled the worn-out boots to extend their life.
She cobbled a quick presentation before the meeting.
Rainwater trickled between the uneven cobbles.