push-button

1 of 2

adjective

push-but·​ton ˈpu̇sh-ˌbə-tᵊn 

1

: operated or done by means of push buttons

a push-button phone

2

: using or dependent on complex and more or less self-operating mechanisms that are put in operation by a simple act comparable to pushing a button

push-button warfare

push button

2 of 2

noun

: a small button or knob that when pushed operates something especially by closing an electric circuit

Examples of push-button in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

The twist cap feels more secure than the original’s janky push-button lid, and the dual-slip design is chef’s kiss. —Simon Hill, Wired News, 10 July 2025

The stove operates on standard 16-ounce propane canisters, features push-button igniters and simmer-friendly controls, and generates up to 22,000 BTUs of heat. —Drew Zieff, Outside Online, 8 July 2025

Noun

Our Best Overall pick, the Crown Shades Canopy, has a one-button setup with a single push button that lifts the canopy, and the ABCCanopy Pop Up Canopy also uses a push-button design. —Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 24 June 2025

Single spinner wheels at each corner of this upright suitcase push and pull easily with extend and stow handles that lock and unlock with one touch of the push button. —Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 3 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1916, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

circa 1874, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for push-button

• unbutton
• button
• clutton
• glutton
• mutton
• witan

Kids Definition

push-button

1 of 2 adjective

1

: operated or done by means of push buttons

a push-button phone

2

: using or dependent on complicated automatic machines

push-button warfare

a push-button civilization

push button

2 of 2 noun

: a small button or knob that when pushed operates something especially by closing an electric circuit