unbutton

verb

un·​but·​ton ˌən-ˈbə-tᵊn 

unbuttoned; unbuttoning; unbuttons

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

Two of our esteemed gubernatorial candidates, the cowboy and the dilettante, apparently could not find ties for the first debate Wednesday night, showing up with dress shirts casually unbuttoned. —Los Angeles Times, 23 Apr. 2026

The oversized button-down can be worn unbuttoned over a white tank or even over a bathing suit during the warmer months, and the shorts have a high-rise fit complete with a stretchy, adjustable waistband. —Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 21 Apr. 2026

The sophisticated style has a relaxed fit and can be worn either buttoned or unbuttoned over a tank top. —Sian Babish, PEOPLE, 13 Apr. 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

Word History

First Known Use

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

Rhymes for unbutton

• button
• clutton
• glutton
• mutton
• witan

Kids Definition

unbutton

verb

un·​but·​ton ˌən-ˈbət-ᵊn 

: to unfasten the buttons of (as a garment)