push-button

adjective push-but·ton \ ˈpu̇sh-ˌbə-tᵊn \

Updated on: 12 May 2018

Definition of push-button

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

See push-button defined for kids

First Known Use of push-button

1916

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

push button

noun

Definition of push button

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

See push button defined for English-language learners

See push button defined for kids

Recent Examples of push button from the Web

At locations where applicable, pedestrian control features such as countdown pedestrian indications, accessible push buttons, upgraded sidewalk ramps, and crosswalks will be upgraded in an effort to improve accessibility and pedestrian safety.

— Courant Community, "Community News For The Wethersfield Edition," 1 May 2018
Gronkowski had been pushing buttons all offseason on social media, something other Patriots have done to some degree too.

— albert breer, SI.com, "2018 NFL Draft: Expect the Unexpected ... And Also For 29 Teams to Make These 32 Picks," 26 Apr. 2018
On a recent Wednesday afternoon, gamblers sat in front of glowing slot machines, their heads all tilted at the same angle, fingers pushing buttons.

— justine mcdaniel, Philly.com, "Pa.'s gambling expansion is high-stakes for towns such as Bensalem, host to Parx Casino," 2 Apr. 2018
One downfall: This device does require a subscription ($9.99/month, $99.99/year) to get motion triggered photos as well as push button and motion triggered videos.

— the good housekeeping institute, Good Housekeeping, "Heath/Zenith Notifi #SL-3010-00 Video Doorbell System," 6 Oct. 2016
L'Engle was not afraid to push buttons, said Luci Shaw, a poet and a friend of L'Engle's for more than three decades.

— sarah pulliam bailey, washington post, Houston Chronicle, "The deep faith of 'A Wrinkle in Time' author Madeleine L'Engle," 24 Mar. 2018
L’Engle was not afraid to push buttons, said Luci Shaw, a poet, co-author, editor and a friend of L’Engle’s for more than three decades.

— sarah pulliam bailey, Washington Post, "Publishers rejected her, Christians attacked her: The deep faith of ‘A Wrinkle in Time’ author Madeleine L’Engle," 8 Mar. 2018
Among the possibilities are downloadable engine sounds and a Formula 1–style steering wheel incorporating an LCD display, push buttons, haptics, and Bluetooth connectivity to support games or STEM educational projects.

— josh jacquot, Car and Driver, "Stuff We Drifted in Our Office: Actev Arrow Electric Go-Kart Tested," 5 Feb. 2018
The couple has had O'Connell pushing buttons from behind the curtain since the event's inception.

— jared boyd, AL.com, "Hangout director dishes on what it's like to dream up your own music festival," 1 Feb. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'push button.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of push button

circa 1874

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

PUSH-BUTTON Defined for English Language Learners

push button

noun

Definition of push button for English Language Learners

: a small button or knob that is pushed to operate a machine

PUSH-BUTTON Defined for Kids

push button

noun

Definition of push button for Students

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

Learn More about push-button

See words that rhyme with push-button Spanish Central: Translation of push-button Nglish: Translation of push-button for Spanish speakers

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push-button

Definition of push-button

First Known Use of push-button

push button

Definition of push button

Recent Examples of push button from the Web

First Known Use of push button

PUSH-BUTTON Defined for English Language Learners

push button

Definition of push button for English Language Learners

PUSH-BUTTON Defined for Kids

push button

Definition of push button for Students

Learn More about push-button

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First Known Use of push-button

push button

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push button

Definition of push button for English Language Learners

PUSH-BUTTON Defined for Kids

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Definition of push button for Students

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