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.
Recent Examples on the Web
Maria Williams, USA TODAY, 20 Apr. 2024
The driver’s cockpit of a plow looks like a spaceship, with a dozen blinking buttons and several joysticks.
—Jacob Spetzler, The Denver Post, 19 Apr. 2024
Cloth buttons used to be constructed around bits of cotton wool to absorb and emanate drops of perfume.
—Nathan Heller, Vogue, 17 Apr. 2024
The top of the cactus contains buttons, which are consumed fresh or dried, are often smoked like tobacco or made into a powder that can be consumed as tea.
—Michaela Trimble, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Apr. 2024
The buttons are minimal and easy to understand, which is a boon for bleary-eyed new parents (and middle-of-the-night pump sessions).
—Simone Scully, Parents, 16 Apr. 2024
The opposite edge has a second mic, a power button, and a customizable Quick button.
—Eric Zeman, PCMAG, 16 Apr. 2024
The buttons and stylish tie at the waist helps create a flattering silhouette, allowing it to be dressed up when needed.
—Brandi Fuller, Travel + Leisure, 15 Apr. 2024
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
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
Noun
Consumers can already choose to buy and sell things — even big-ticket items like cars — with the touch of a button.
—Maria Williams, USA TODAY, 20 Apr. 2024
The driver’s cockpit of a plow looks like a spaceship, with a dozen blinking buttons and several joysticks.
—Jacob Spetzler, The Denver Post, 19 Apr. 2024
Cloth buttons used to be constructed around bits of cotton wool to absorb and emanate drops of perfume.
—Nathan Heller, Vogue, 17 Apr. 2024
The top of the cactus contains buttons, which are consumed fresh or dried, are often smoked like tobacco or made into a powder that can be consumed as tea.
—Michaela Trimble, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Apr. 2024
The buttons are minimal and easy to understand, which is a boon for bleary-eyed new parents (and middle-of-the-night pump sessions).
—Simone Scully, Parents, 16 Apr. 2024
The opposite edge has a second mic, a power button, and a customizable Quick button.
—Eric Zeman, PCMAG, 16 Apr. 2024
The buttons and stylish tie at the waist helps create a flattering silhouette, allowing it to be dressed up when needed.
—Brandi Fuller, Travel + Leisure, 15 Apr. 2024
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
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
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.
Dictionary Entries Near button
Cite this Entry
“Button.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/button. Accessed 23 Apr. 2024.
Copy CitationKids 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
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