boutonniere
UK[ˌbuːtɒnˈjeə]US[ˌbuːtənˈjɛr]
n
a flower or small bunch of flowers worn in a buttonhole, typically on a lapel.
Morpheme Breakdown
boutonn
iere
boutonn
button
iere
noun suffix denoting a thing associated with
Etymology
the word 'boutonniere' is a direct borrowing from french, where it literally means 'buttonhole' or 'something pertaining to a button'. it is formed from 'bouton' (button) and the suffix '-iere', which denotes a thing associated with or used for a specific purpose. the term entered english in the 19th century, specifically referring to the ornamental practice of wearing a flower in the buttonhole of a man's suit lapel. this modern, specialized meaning evolved from the more general french term for a buttonhole, illustrating how a functional term for an opening was repurposed to name the decorative element placed within it.
Analysis
Structure: boutonn (button) + iere (noun suffix denoting a thing associated with)
boutonn is from french 'bouton', meaning 'button', of germanic origin. iere is a french noun-forming suffix, from latin '-aria'.
Examples
he wore a white carnation boutonniere to complement his tuxedo.
the groom's boutonniere was a single rose matching the bride's bouquet.
for formal events, a simple boutonniere adds an elegant touch to a suit.