cobble: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Informal to neutral; the verb is often informal, the noun (cobblestone) is neutral.
Quick answer
What does “cobble” mean?
To roughly assemble, mend, or put together something in a makeshift or unskilled manner.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To roughly assemble, mend, or put together something in a makeshift or unskilled manner.
1. To repair or make shoes, especially by mending or patching. 2. To assemble something hastily or crudely. 3. A naturally rounded stone used for paving (noun).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both varieties use the verb and noun similarly. The noun for the stone might be slightly more frequent in UK contexts due to historic preservation.
Connotations
Identical connotations of roughness or hastiness in both varieties.
Frequency
Low frequency in both, but the verb might be slightly more common in UK English in the literal shoemaking sense.
Grammar
How to Use “cobble” in a Sentence
[SUBJ] cobble [OBJ] together (from/out of [MATERIAL])[SUBJ] cobble [OBJ] (e.g., a solution, a meal)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “cobble” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He managed to cobble together a passable essay the night before it was due.
- The old craftsman could still cobble a pair of boots.
American English
- They cobbled up a quick fix for the software bug.
- We can cobble a meal from the leftovers.
adverb
British English
- N/A (No standard adverbial form)
American English
- N/A (No standard adverbial form)
adjective
British English
- The cobble lane was charming but uneven.
- N/A (Adjectival use is via 'cobbled')
American English
- The historic district features cobble streets.
- N/A (Adjectival use is via 'cobbled')
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
"We need to cobble together a proposal before the meeting." (Informal, implies haste)
Academic
Rare, except in historical contexts (e.g., 'cobbled streets').
Everyday
"I'll cobble a meal from what's left in the fridge."
Technical
Virtually unused in formal technical writing.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cobble”
- Using 'cobble' without 'together' when the meaning is makeshift assembly (e.g., 'He cobbled a plan' is less idiomatic than 'He cobbled together a plan').
- Confusing the verb with the noun 'cobblestone' in sentence structure.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, the verb 'cobble' (especially 'cobble together') is informal and often implies a lack of care or proper resources.
'Assemble' is neutral. 'Cobble' specifically suggests a rough, hurried, or unskilled process of assembly, often from disparate parts.
Yes, informally. e.g., 'cobble together a meal' means to make a meal quickly from whatever ingredients are available.
A cobbler is a person who repairs shoes, which is the origin of the verb 'to cobble' (to mend roughly). It is also a type of fruit pie.
To roughly assemble, mend, or put together something in a makeshift or unskilled manner.
Cobble: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkɒb.əl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkɑː.bəl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “cobble together”
- “cobble something up”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a COBBLER hastily trying to BOLT a shoe together. COBBLE sounds like 'cob' (a lump) and 'bolt' – putting lumps together roughly.
Conceptual Metaphor
CREATING IS ASSEMBLING ROUGH PARTS (often under pressure).
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'cobble' CORRECTLY?