button

1 of 2

noun

but·​ton ˈbə-tᵊn 

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

: push button

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

buttonless

ˈbə-tᵊn-ləs 

adjective

button

2 of 2

verb

buttoned; buttoning ˈbət-niŋ 

ˈbə-tᵊn-iŋ

transitive verb

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

intransitive verb

: to have buttons for fastening

this dress buttons at the back

buttoner

ˈbət-nər 

ˈbə-tᵊn-ər

noun

Phrases

on the button

: exactly

arrived at noon on the button

also : exactly on target : on the nose

the estimate was right on the button

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.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Start by making small abrasions in the areas where holes or fraying would naturally occur: At the knees, yes, but also the around hems, pocket edges, and button holes. —Jane Herman, Vogue, 7 Apr. 2024

Those guidelines will allow music streaming apps in certain regions to include links, including buy buttons, that point to an external website. —Emily Price, PCMAG, 7 Apr. 2024

The 1-liter dustbin is detachable and easy to clean thanks to a quick-release button that opens the canister to dump its contents into the garbage without any handiwork from you. —Clara McMahon, Peoplemag, 6 Apr. 2024

The Shop officially launched in September, though some TikTok users were granted access to its features for longer, including a shop button that appears beneath a video and links within the app to a simple checkout interface. —Brennan Kilbane, Allure, 5 Apr. 2024

The small selection of buttons and controls include a physical volume knob, a welcome alternative to the haptic sliders and touchscreen-only setups that are currently all the rage. —Basem Wasef, Robb Report, 2 Apr. 2024

The manager of the low vision program for Sight Savers America adjusts the camera mounted on a monitor in front of them, presses a button on a controller, and suddenly, Juan’s face fills the 22-inch screen. —Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 1 Apr. 2024

The message pressed every button on England’s paranoid fringes: an insinuation of support for Hamas, an apparent denigration of British history and memory by a Muslim left-winger, and a sense of backroom deals being done. —Peter Guest, WIRED, 26 Mar. 2024

In an exhibit dedicated to the history of the beer industry, visitors will be able to press buttons or open lids to reveal hidden surprises in three interactive beer steins. —Amy Schwabe, Journal Sentinel, 25 Mar. 2024

Verb

Not only can this shirt be buttoned up and tucked into a pair of trousers, but it can also be worn loose and unbuttoned over a plain white tee for a day of sightseeing in fluctuating temperatures. —Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 6 Apr. 2024

This particular style is made from a cotton blend and has buttoned cuffs for a touch of sophistication. —Kayla Blanton, Peoplemag, 29 Mar. 2024

Reality television unleashed her — with her signature oversize glasses and barely buttoned tops — on the rest of the country. —Jessica Testa, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2024

Keep pockets zipped and purses buttoned, and always keep them on you. —Chris Eberhart, Fox News, 4 Mar. 2024

Now, the bulk retailer is attempting to button up access to its food courts for good, making the classic $1.50 hot dog combo (amongst other treats) officially out of reach to non-members. —Meghan Overdeep, Southern Living, 25 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

It can be worn as a comfy layer or on its own when buttoned up like a classic long-sleeve top. —Alexandra Domrongchai, Travel + Leisure, 10 Mar. 2024

Billie Eilish is buttoned up at this year’s Oscars ceremony. —Anna Tingley, Variety, 10 Mar. 2024

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

Phrases Containing button

• (as) cute as a button
• bachelor's button
• back button
• belly button
• button bar
• button-down
• button it
• button man
• button mushroom
• button nose
• button one's lip/lips
• button quail
• button snakeroot
• campaign button
• hot button
• mescal button
• on the button
• panic button
• peyote button
• push button
• push/hit/press the panic button
• snooze button

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

button

2 of 2 verb

buttoned; buttoning ˈbət-niŋ 

-ᵊn-iŋ

: to close or fasten with buttons

buttoner

-nər 

-ᵊn-ər

noun

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

b

: cotyledon sense 1