push-button

1 of 2

adjective

push-but·​ton ˈpu̇sh-ˌbə-tᵊn How to pronounce push-button (audio)
1
: operated or done by means of push buttons
a push-button phone
2
: using or dependent on complex and more or less self-operating mechanisms that are put in operation by a simple act comparable to pushing a button
push-button warfare

push button

2 of 2

noun

: a small button or knob that when pushed operates something especially by closing an electric circuit

Examples of push-button in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Adjective
The car’s features include push-button doors and front-wheel hubs that remained static while the wheels and tires rotated around them. Mark Phelan, Detroit Free Press, 4 Apr. 2024 There are two main types of wireless doorbells: smart models with that utilize WiFi connectivity to share video and audio streams to your personal devices and simple, push-button models that use radio connections to alert the receiver inside. Jenna Clark, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 Feb. 2024 The all-in-one set includes a push-button electric wine opener, foil cutter, aerator/pourer, and two wine stoppers. Maya Polton, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Feb. 2024 The Claymore is equipped with an automatic push-button release that snaps open the 3.6-inch blade with authority. Kevin Brouillard, Travel + Leisure, 8 Jan. 2024 Vehicles that use a key instead of a push-button ignition is at a higher risk, as are most lower-end models of Kia and Hyundai without an immobilizer, which is an electronic security device that prevents the engine from being started unless your key fob is nearby. Laura Daily, Washington Post, 19 Dec. 2023 Safety features include a cool-top design, push-button ignition, one-touch shutoff, and automatic shutoff if the heater tips. John Sass, Field & Stream, 3 Aug. 2023 This is the style of push-button managing the Dodgers use that drives me crazy. Houston Mitchell, Los Angeles Times, 13 Oct. 2023 The push-button digital display made for easy operation, and the option of manual mode allows full control over the cooking process. Carrie Honaker, Southern Living, 8 Sep. 2023
Noun
Lightweight push buttons can often be secured with removable adhesive. Jenna Clark, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 Feb. 2024 Three-zone climate control with rear heating and cooling assist to cabin lighting and keyless entry and push button start to a Meridian sound system add the vehicle’s appeal. James Raia, The Mercury News, 11 Feb. 2024 The helm is much simpler than a conventional helm station on most boats, with push buttons that reveal different functions and data. Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 18 Dec. 2023 On the inside, Chevrolet has further continued the evolution with a sleeker center console that is simplified by eliminating the push button gear-selector and moving the function to a stalk on the steering column. Scotty Reiss, Forbes, 29 Nov. 2023 Benepe would grasp the fake switch’s bright-red lever and pull it up, as Marsden and a colleague rushed to push buttons on their laptops. Adam Iscoe, The New Yorker, 11 Dec. 2023 This microwave also makes opening the door easy with a push button instead of a traditional handle. Andrea Wurzburger, Better Homes & Gardens, 31 Jan. 2023 The closure, set with gemstones, has a mauve sapphire push button at its center. Ashley Wong, WSJ, 1 Oct. 2023 The seeming hopelessness of the conflict in the Middle East has always drawn comics looking to push buttons. Jason Zinoman, New York Times, 26 Oct. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'push-button.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1916, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

circa 1874, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of push-button was circa 1874

Dictionary Entries Near push-button

push broom

push-button

push button

Cite this Entry

“Push-button.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/push-button. Accessed 17 Apr. 2024.

Kids Definition

push-button

1 of 2 adjective
1
: operated or done by means of push buttons
a push-button phone
2
: using or dependent on complicated automatic machines
push-button warfare
a push-button civilization

push button

2 of 2 noun
: a small button or knob that when pushed operates something especially by closing an electric circuit

More from Merriam-Webster on push-button

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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