Cobbler: meaning, definitions and examples

👞

Add to dictionary

cobbler

[ˈkɒblər ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

shoe repair

A cobbler is a person who repairs shoes, especially leather shoes. Cobblers often work in small shops and use specialized tools to fix worn-out soles, heels, and other parts of shoes.

Synonyms

repairman, shoemaker.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
cobbler	Mainly used in British English to refer to someone who mends shoes. In some places, it can also mean someone who makes and repairs shoes. The cobbler fixed the broken heel on my favorite boots. I always go to the local cobbler when my shoes need mending.

Word

Description / Examples

cobbler

Mainly used in British English to refer to someone who mends shoes. In some places, it can also mean someone who makes and repairs shoes.

The cobbler fixed the broken heel on my favorite boots.
I always go to the local cobbler when my shoes need mending.

Examples of usage

The cobbler did a fantastic job fixing the hole in my favorite pair of boots.
I need to take my dress shoes to the cobbler to get them resoled.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

dessert

In British English, a cobbler is a dessert made with fruit filling, such as berries or peaches, topped with a biscuit dough or cake batter. The dessert is baked until the topping is golden brown and the fruit is bubbly.

Synonyms

fruit crisp, fruit crumble.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
cobbler	In British English, 'cobbler' refers to a person who repairs shoes. Though not used often in this context in everyday conversation, it still appears in literary texts and formal contexts. He took his old boots to the cobbler for repairs. The village cobbler was known for his excellent craftsmanship.
fruit crumble	This term is more commonly used in British English and refers to a dessert similar to a 'fruit crisp' but typically the topping is more crumbly and may not include oats. Popular in home cooking, it's often enjoyed with custard or cream. Her specialty is a blackberry crumble with a hint of cinnamon. We loved the rhubarb crumble she made for dessert.
fruit crisp	Commonly used in North American English, especially in the United States and Canada, to describe a dessert with fruit at the bottom and a crispy, crumbly topping made of sugar, butter, and flour, often with oats or nuts. It's ideal for potlucks and family gatherings. She brought an apple crisp to the picnic. For Thanksgiving, they always make a cranberry-apple crisp.

Word

Description / Examples

cobbler

In British English, 'cobbler' refers to a person who repairs shoes. Though not used often in this context in everyday conversation, it still appears in literary texts and formal contexts.

He took his old boots to the cobbler for repairs.
The village cobbler was known for his excellent craftsmanship.

fruit crumble

This term is more commonly used in British English and refers to a dessert similar to a 'fruit crisp' but typically the topping is more crumbly and may not include oats. Popular in home cooking, it's often enjoyed with custard or cream.

Her specialty is a blackberry crumble with a hint of cinnamon.
We loved the rhubarb crumble she made for dessert.

fruit crisp

Commonly used in North American English, especially in the United States and Canada, to describe a dessert with fruit at the bottom and a crispy, crumbly topping made of sugar, butter, and flour, often with oats or nuts. It's ideal for potlucks and family gatherings.

She brought an apple crisp to the picnic.
For Thanksgiving, they always make a cranberry-apple crisp.

Examples of usage

My grandma makes the best peach cobbler I've ever tasted.
We ordered a mixed berry cobbler for dessert at the restaurant.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word originates from the Old French term 'cobler' which means to mend or patch.
In English, it was first recorded in the late 15th century, primarily referring to those who made or repaired shoes.
The term has evolved to include not just shoe repair but also refers to traditional fruit desserts in some cultures.

Historical Context

Cobblers were essential tradespeople in medieval towns, often being among the first to adopt new techniques in shoe manufacturing.
In early America, cobblers played a vital role in communities by personally fitting footwear, often making a family's shoes from scratch.
A cobbler's workshop was often a social hub where people gathered to share news while waiting for their repairs.

Cultural References

In literature, cobblers appear in fables as clever problem-solvers, showcasing their importance in society.
There is a well-known fairy tale, 'The Elves and the Shoemaker,' highlighting the magical assistance cobblers receive in crafting shoes.
In some cultures, 'cobbler' can also refer to a type of fruit dessert, showing the word's versatile use in language.

Trade and Craft

Modern cobblers still use time-honored techniques while incorporating new materials and machinery to adapt to current trends.
The craft of shoemaking is now considered an art, with artisan cobblers creating custom designs for clientele.
Shoe repair is becoming increasingly rare as fast fashion leads to the disposal of shoes instead of repair, raising concerns about sustainability.

Psychology

Working as a cobbler requires attention to detail and precision, fostering skills that contribute to mental well-being.
The act of creating or fixing items can provide a sense of fulfillment and accomplishment, positively impacting a cobbler's mental health.
Engaging in hands-on craft like cobbling has been shown to reduce stress and enhance mood due to the focus and creativity it demands.

Translations

Translations of the word "cobbler" in other languages:

🇵🇹 sapateiro

🇮🇳 मोची

🇩🇪 Schuster

🇮🇩 tukang sepatu

🇺🇦 швець

🇵🇱 szewc

🇯🇵 靴職人 (くつしょくにん)

🇫🇷 cordonnier

🇪🇸 zapatero

🇹🇷 kunduracı

🇰🇷 구두 수선공 (gudu suseongong)

🇸🇦 إسكافي (iskafi)

🇨🇿 ševcovský

🇸🇰 obuvník

🇨🇳 修鞋匠 (xiū xié jiàng)

🇸🇮 čevljar

🇮🇸 skósmiður

🇰🇿 етікші

🇬🇪 მომჭერი (momč'eri)

🇦🇿 çoxluqçu

🇲🇽 zapatero

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #23,408, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

...
23405 sideboard
23406 guerilla
23407 promulgating
23408 cobbler
23409 disinclination
23410 stiffer
23411 mumbling
...