often attributive
1
a
: a small knob or disk secured to an article (as of clothing) and used as a fastener by passing it through a buttonhole or loop
b
: a usually circular metal or plastic badge bearing a stamped design or printed slogan
campaign button
2
: something that resembles a button: such as
a
: any of various parts or growths of a plant or of an animal: such as
(1)
: bud
(2)
: an immature whole mushroom
especially
: button mushroom
(3)
: the terminal segment of a rattlesnake's rattle
b
: a small globule of metal remaining after fusion (as in assaying)
c
: a guard on the tip of a fencing foil
3
a
b
: something (such as a push button) that has the real or symbolic capability of initiating a catastrophe (such as a nuclear attack)
has his finger on the button
c
: a hidden sensitivity that can be manipulated to produce a desired response
knows how to push my buttons
d
: a usually box-shaped computer icon that initiates a specific software function
4
: the point of the chin especially as a target for a knockout blow
buttoned; buttoning
ˈbət-niŋ 
ˈbə-tᵊn-iŋ
1
: to furnish or decorate with buttons
2
a
: to pass (a button) through a buttonhole or loop
b
: to close or fasten with buttons
—often used with up
button up your overcoat
3
a
: to close (the lips) to prevent speech
button your lip
b
: to close or seal tightly
—usually used with up
button up the house for winter
: to have buttons for fastening
this dress buttons at the back
Examples of button in a Sentence
Noun
a dress with buttons down the back
I lost a button on my jacket.
He took off his tie and undid the top button of his shirt.
Will you please push the ‘play’ button on the CD player?
With a fax machine, you can send a document across the country with the touch of a button.
If the information on the registration form is correct, click the ‘OK’ button.
Verb
He rarely buttons the top button on his shirt.
Will you button the baby's jacket for her?
The skirt buttons on the side.
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Recent Examples on the Web
David English, PCMAG, 15 Sep. 2023
Or, change your workout by using the remote control that’s equipped with a start/pause button, and speed-adjusting buttons.
—Lauren Fischer, Peoplemag, 15 Sep. 2023
The physical controls have also been improved; Bose added a volume slider in addition to the usual multifunction and power / Bluetooth buttons.
—Chris Welch, The Verge, 14 Sep. 2023
Herron also did a phenomenal job showcasing the different eras of film and his design range with high fashion pieces like a button down with an off-the-shoulder tweed jacket to streetwear looks such as a yellow and blue track jacket.
—Kerane Marcellus, Essence, 13 Sep. 2023
Rivets and buttons are engraved with her flowers and logo.
—Ferron Salniker, Los Angeles Times, 13 Sep. 2023
Watch the Full 2023 Met Gala Red Carpet Livestream
A casual take on the bon ton attire that usually collects around these kinds of events, the look compounded the insouciance of Watson’s Wimbledon outfits: the sleeveless button ups and sculptural Loewe heels, and the Oscar de la Renta minidresses.
—Daniel Rodgers, Vogue, 6 Sep. 2023
The pockets have a flap that buttons closed over the zipper for added weatherproofing, and adjustable button cuffs cinch the arms closed.
—Danny Perez, Popular Mechanics, 6 Sep. 2023
Featuring diamond quilt detailing, button tufting and wooden legs, this inexpensive loveseat packs a lot of style into a small silhouette.
—Good Housekeeping, 5 Sep. 2023
Kristina Rutkowski, wsj.com, 13 Sep. 2023
Augustin wore his blazer buttoned up, while Evangelista opted to wear hers open and showcased her formal white shirt.
—Ingrid Vasquez, Peoplemag, 13 Sep. 2023
Walking across the field, Costner wears a white shirt buttoned to his elbows and strides alongside his son, who wears a blue T-shirt and jeans.
—Hannah Sacks, Peoplemag, 18 Aug. 2023
Depending on your cover features, either zip, tie, or button the end of your duvet cover to seal it into place.
—Shivani Vyas, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Aug. 2023
Paco Rabanne Crop Cardigan Now 70% Off $186 at Shop BAZAAR
Though the silhouette looks rather modest when it’s buttoned up, this Paco Rabanne cardigan is made to serve some light scandal.
—Meghan Shouse, Harper's BAZAAR, 28 July 2023
Jenner posed in several snaps standing up tall interchanging her hands from buttoning up her jeans to relaxing her hands in her jeans pockets.
—Kimberlee Speakman, Peoplemag, 26 July 2023
Moreover, these chaps are emotional and not buttoned up, no, these maims throw themselves at our boys, what chance do the poor chaps even have?
—Karan Mahajan, The New Yorker, 7 Aug. 2023
Now, police officials are working to button down a contract with the company that will provide the tool — a process the department hopes will wrap up by the end of the month.
—Lyndsay Winkley, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Aug. 2023
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Noun
The Copy button brings up the Print Settings screen.
—David English, PCMAG, 15 Sep. 2023
Or, change your workout by using the remote control that’s equipped with a start/pause button, and speed-adjusting buttons.
—Lauren Fischer, Peoplemag, 15 Sep. 2023
The physical controls have also been improved; Bose added a volume slider in addition to the usual multifunction and power / Bluetooth buttons.
—Chris Welch, The Verge, 14 Sep. 2023
Herron also did a phenomenal job showcasing the different eras of film and his design range with high fashion pieces like a button down with an off-the-shoulder tweed jacket to streetwear looks such as a yellow and blue track jacket.
—Kerane Marcellus, Essence, 13 Sep. 2023
Rivets and buttons are engraved with her flowers and logo.
—Ferron Salniker, Los Angeles Times, 13 Sep. 2023
Watch the Full 2023 Met Gala Red Carpet Livestream
A casual take on the bon ton attire that usually collects around these kinds of events, the look compounded the insouciance of Watson’s Wimbledon outfits: the sleeveless button ups and sculptural Loewe heels, and the Oscar de la Renta minidresses.
—Daniel Rodgers, Vogue, 6 Sep. 2023
The pockets have a flap that buttons closed over the zipper for added weatherproofing, and adjustable button cuffs cinch the arms closed.
—Danny Perez, Popular Mechanics, 6 Sep. 2023
Featuring diamond quilt detailing, button tufting and wooden legs, this inexpensive loveseat packs a lot of style into a small silhouette.
—Good Housekeeping, 5 Sep. 2023
Verb
Theodora suggests styling the piece, which is made from a blend of recycled polyester and wool with a satin lining, as is, buttoned without a shirt underneath, or pairing with a simple silk skirt, tights and ballet flats for an easy, go-to fall look.
—Kristina Rutkowski, wsj.com, 13 Sep. 2023
Augustin wore his blazer buttoned up, while Evangelista opted to wear hers open and showcased her formal white shirt.
—Ingrid Vasquez, Peoplemag, 13 Sep. 2023
Walking across the field, Costner wears a white shirt buttoned to his elbows and strides alongside his son, who wears a blue T-shirt and jeans.
—Hannah Sacks, Peoplemag, 18 Aug. 2023
Depending on your cover features, either zip, tie, or button the end of your duvet cover to seal it into place.
—Shivani Vyas, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Aug. 2023
Paco Rabanne Crop Cardigan Now 70% Off $186 at Shop BAZAAR
Though the silhouette looks rather modest when it’s buttoned up, this Paco Rabanne cardigan is made to serve some light scandal.
—Meghan Shouse, Harper's BAZAAR, 28 July 2023
Jenner posed in several snaps standing up tall interchanging her hands from buttoning up her jeans to relaxing her hands in her jeans pockets.
—Kimberlee Speakman, Peoplemag, 26 July 2023
Moreover, these chaps are emotional and not buttoned up, no, these maims throw themselves at our boys, what chance do the poor chaps even have?
—Karan Mahajan, The New Yorker, 7 Aug. 2023
Now, police officials are working to button down a contract with the company that will provide the tool — a process the department hopes will wrap up by the end of the month.
—Lyndsay Winkley, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Aug. 2023
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These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word '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
Etymology
Noun
Middle English boton, from Anglo-French butun rose hip, stud, from buter to thrust — more at butt entry 3
First Known Use
Noun
14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
Verb
14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1
Time Traveler
The first known use of button was
in the 14th century
Phrases Containing button
Dictionary Entries Near button
Cite this Entry
“Button.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/button. Accessed 24 Sep. 2023.
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Kids Definition
button
1 of 2 noun
but·ton
ˈbət-ᵊn
1
a
: a small knob or disk used for holding parts of a garment together or as an ornament
b
: a usually round badge bearing a design or slogan
a campaign button
2
: something (as a small or young mushroom) that resembles a button
3
: push button
also
: a computer image that resembles a push button in appearance and function
Medical Definition
button
noun
but·ton
ˈbət-ᵊn
: something that resembles a small knob or disk: as
a
: the terminal segment of a rattlesnake's rattle
More from Merriam-Webster on button
Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for button
Nglish: Translation of button for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of button for Arabic Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about button
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