unbuttoned

adjective

un·​but·​toned ˌən-ˈbə-tᵊnd How to pronounce unbuttoned (audio)
1
a
: not buttoned
b
: not provided with buttons
2
: not under constraint : free and unrestricted in action and expression
the musicians' unbuttoned energy

Examples of unbuttoned in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Likewise, Lowe’s band sounded convincingly shaggy and unbuttoned, lending the impression of clambering behind the show’s procession like a second line. Michael Andor Brodeur, Washington Post, 21 Mar. 2024 Between the unbuttoned Tibi vest, latex garters, and beaded Monôt halter that betray a hint of nipple, the actor has been taken a big swings with her fashion. Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 14 Mar. 2024 Lenny — who shares Zoë with ex-wife Lisa Bonet — was, in fact, wearing an unbuttoned satin shirt at the time. Julia Moore, Peoplemag, 13 Mar. 2024 In traditional times, wearing an unbuttoned shirt with a tuxedo would be considered bold. Dave Schilling, Los Angeles Times, 8 Mar. 2024 The prosecutor—the main villain—wore a suit and kept his jacket buttoned, while the hero, Mark Godsey, kept his jacket unbuttoned. Ian Frazier, The New Yorker, 26 Feb. 2024 The man of the night finally emerged wearing a dark blue suit, a shirt of the same tone unbuttoned at the top of his chest and a giddy smile. Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 6 Mar. 2024 The country singer, who attended the 2024 MusiCares Person of the Year event in L.A., rocked an emerald green flare-leg pantsuit with a collared shirt left unbuttoned for a plunging effect. Michelle Lee, Peoplemag, 5 Feb. 2024 White, 33, wore wore an ivory Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello suit with an unbuttoned white shirt and black leather boots. Hedy Phillips, Peoplemag, 25 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'unbuttoned.' 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

1583, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of unbuttoned was in 1583

Dictionary Entries Near unbuttoned

Cite this Entry

“Unbuttoned.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unbuttoned. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

unbuttoned

adjective
un·​but·​toned ˌən-ˈbət-ᵊnd How to pronounce unbuttoned (audio)
1
a
: not buttoned
b
: not provided with buttons
2
: free and unrestricted in action or expression
the musician's unbuttoned energy

More from Merriam-Webster on unbuttoned

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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