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.
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 The couple matched in white T-shirts and blue jeans, with Stone wearing her jeans unbuttoned to show off her growing belly. Hannah Sacks, PEOPLE, 2 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unbutton.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unbutton. Accessed 22 Mar. 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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