unbutton

verb

un·​but·​ton ˌən-ˈbə-tᵊn How to pronounce unbutton (audio)
unbuttoned; unbuttoning; unbuttons
Synonyms of unbuttonnext

transitive verb

1
: to loose the buttons of
2
: to open by or as if by loosing buttons

intransitive verb

: to undo buttons

Examples of unbutton in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The cropped top can be worn buttoned up for a sleek silhouette on a dinner date or unbuttoned over a tank for a museum-hopping day in Rome. Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 6 Apr. 2026 Shirt unbuttoned, sleeves rolled up, the silhouette takes on a new life. Julissa James, Los Angeles Times, 10 Mar. 2026 Rather than stealing one of her husband’s tops, the style savant wore a Yohji Yamamoto white button-down, unbuttoned and tucked into her skirt. Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 21 Feb. 2026 Williams didn’t need a tie, choosing instead to decorate his neck with, well, his neck, leaving his shirt unbuttoned halfway down his chest. Kase Wickman, Vanity Fair, 12 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unbutton

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of unbutton was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Unbutton.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unbutton. Accessed 12 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

unbutton

verb
un·​but·​ton ˌən-ˈbət-ᵊn How to pronounce unbutton (audio)
: to unfasten the buttons of (as a garment)

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