button-down

1 of 2

adjective

but·​ton-down ˈbə-tᵊn-ˌdau̇n How to pronounce button-down (audio)
1
a
of a collar : having the ends fastened to the garment with buttons
b of a shirt
(1)
: having a button-down collar
(2)
: having buttons from the collar to the waist
2
or buttoned-down : conservatively traditional or conventional
especially : adhering to conventional norms in dress and behavior
button-down businessmen

button-down

2 of 2

noun

: a shirt with a button-down collar

Examples of button-down in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Adjective
Linen pants also serve as a stylish and easy-to-throw-on swimsuit cover-up, and they can be dressed up with a button-down shirt, flowy blouse, or tank top, as worn by Gwyneth Paltrow on a dinner date last summer. Kayla Blanton, Peoplemag, 24 Mar. 2024 Take things in a more polished, office-ready direction with tailored trousers, a white button-down, a structured blazer, and minimal jewelry. Leilani McQuay, Glamour, 21 Mar. 2024 Other standouts were a Trompe l’oeil suit that looks like an x-ray of wooden bones, and another ombre effect suit but in blue and white, and a blue striped button-down with bright blue splotches of paint spills. Kerane Marcellus, Essence, 18 Mar. 2024 Celebratory Cigars During the reception, two men, donning white button-down shirts and pants, rolled cigars for guests. Andrew Zucker, New York Times, 15 Mar. 2024 Peterson, 51, appeared remotely from Ione, California's Mule Creek State Prison wearing a blue button-down shirt and asked the court for permission to appear remotely in future proceedings. Michael Ruiz, Fox News, 13 Mar. 2024 This plus size work dress features a silhouette inspired by a button-down shirt with a structural collar and sleeves. Jessie Quinn, Peoplemag, 12 Mar. 2024 Stewart's stylist, Tara Swennen, paired the creamy cashmere garment, which is hemmed in brown, with a pretty silk button-down, buttoned at the collar only, and a nude bra. Elizabeth Logan, Glamour, 12 Mar. 2024 Liu walked the red carpet in modern suiting from Fendi, swapping the traditional button-down and tie for a low-neck shirt. Cait Bazemore, Robb Report, 11 Mar. 2024
Noun
Behold, the dark academia starter pack: a pleated skirt, an argyle sweater, and a button-down shirt. Hannah Oh, Seventeen, 17 Mar. 2023 The button-down top with chest pocket and drawstring shorts are made from 95 percent premium viscose from bamboo, making for an amazingly cozy-meets-cooling feel. Toni Sutton, Peoplemag, 16 Mar. 2023 Rocky, meanwhile, wore a red plaid button-down and green vest with his own pair of jeans. Alyssa Bailey, ELLE, 16 Mar. 2023 Brody wore a teal suit by Paul Smith, a light blue speckled button-down, a dark blue tie, and black leather dress shoes. Chelsey Sanchez, Harper's BAZAAR, 15 Mar. 2023 This sleeveless button-down would look perfectly at home paired with a long flowing skirt at a vineyard in Champagne — or dressed up with a blazer and heels for more formal affairs. Kaitlyn McInnis, Travel + Leisure, 13 Mar. 2023 Though some softer, pastel hues were present, the runway remained largely dominated by chic sunglasses, shimmering black gloves, killer high heels, sharp shoulder pads, tight pencil skirts and sleek, button-down dresses. Charles Trepany, USA TODAY, 10 Mar. 2023 Selena opted for a more preppy look, pairing her kicks with loose pants and a sweater layered over a button-down shirt. Sabrina Talbert, Women's Health, 9 Mar. 2023 Get colorful for spring with this poppy and pink button-down shirt, alive with butterflies, roses and freehand drawings. The Editors, Los Angeles Times, 9 Mar. 2023

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

1897, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun

1924, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of button-down was in 1897

Dictionary Entries Near button-down

Cite this Entry

“Button-down.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/button-down. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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