push-button

1 of 2

adjective

push-but·​ton ˈpu̇sh-ˌbə-tᵊn How to pronounce push-button (audio)
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
This is the style of push-button managing the Dodgers use that drives me crazy. Houston Mitchell, Los Angeles Times, 13 Oct. 2023 The push-button digital display made for easy operation, and the option of manual mode allows full control over the cooking process. Carrie Honaker, Southern Living, 8 Sep. 2023 Additional goodies on offer include ambient lighting, a smartphone charging pad, a head-up display, push-button ignition with keyless entry, and heating for the seats and steering wheel. Joey Capparella, Car and Driver, 24 Aug. 2023 The interface is on the front with all the functions, including a push-button start, the outlets, a low oil sensor, and the LED display, which shows the gas and load gauges, voltage, and frequency. Kat De Naoum, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Aug. 2023 Look for a unit with push-button ignition, a one-touch shut-off, and automatic shut-off if the unit tips over or overheats. John Sass, Field & Stream, 3 Aug. 2023 It’s bolstered by an easy-to-use push-button ignition and reliably even heat distribution. Nathan Borchelt, Travel + Leisure, 19 July 2023 All models come with a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, push-button start, and a partially digital gauge display. Drew Dorian, Car and Driver, 18 July 2023 Among the home’s original details are mother-of-pearl and brass push-button light switches, a vintage annunciator panel with call bells, a cast-iron walk-in safe closet, restored wood flooring, and sink closets on each floor. Curbed, 23 May 2023
Noun
The closure, set with gemstones, has a mauve sapphire push button at its center. Ashley Wong, WSJ, 1 Oct. 2023 The seeming hopelessness of the conflict in the Middle East has always drawn comics looking to push buttons. Jason Zinoman, New York Times, 26 Oct. 2023 The company’s reporting system revealed there had been several call-outs relating to defective or frozen push buttons in the previous 19 months. Orianna Rosa Royle, Fortune, 31 Aug. 2023 Plus, the four multi-directional spinner wheels give you 360-degree rolling for easy mobility and the ergonomic, push button locking handle is designed for a comfy hand fit. Becca Blond, Travel + Leisure, 2 Oct. 2023 There are also push buttons below the dash to adjust the blade speed and turn the headlight on or off. Brandon Russell, Popular Mechanics, 17 Aug. 2023 Keep in Mind This salad spinner operates with a pull bar handle, which may be an adjustment for those who prefer a push button or alternative method. Michelle Love, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 July 2023 What to Consider: Make sure your child is able to push buttons. Alesandra Dubin, Travel + Leisure, 12 Apr. 2023 All have easy access to the standard third row, as one push button scoots and tilts the second-row seat out of the way for access to the rearmost bench. Joe Lorio, Car and Driver, 9 Aug. 2023 See More

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

1916, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

circa 1874, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of push-button was circa 1874

Dictionary Entries Near push-button

push broom

push-button

push button

Cite this Entry

“Push-button.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/push-button. Accessed 3 Dec. 2023.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on push-button

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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