cobblestone
UK: ˈkɒb.l̩.stəʊn | US: ˈkɑːb.l̩.stoʊn
n. a naturally rounded stone, larger than a pebble and smaller than a boulder, historically used for paving roads or constructing buildings.
The word "cobblestone" combines "cobble," derived from Middle English "cobel" (meaning a small, rounded stone), and "stone," from Old English "stān." "Cobble" likely traces back to the Old English verb "coppian," meaning "to peck" or "to shape roughly," reflecting how these stones were naturally smoothed by water or manually shaped for paving. The term emerged in the 15th century to describe the durable, rounded stones used in road construction, emphasizing their functional and geological characteristics.
The old town’s streets were paved with uneven cobblestones.
She tripped on a loose cobblestone while walking through the historic district.
Cobblestones were commonly used in medieval European cities.
The riverbed was full of smooth cobblestones washed down from the mountains.
Restorers carefully replaced each cobblestone to preserve the square’s original charm.