plural buttons
1
: a small, usually round piece of plastic, glass, metal, etc., that is sewn to a piece of clothing and is pushed through a loop or hole to fasten one part of the clothing to another part
a skirt/coat button
a dress with buttons down the back
I lost a button on my jacket.
He took off his tie and undid the top button of his shirt.
2
US
: a small, usually round sign that has a picture or words on the front and a pin on the back
Note: People pin buttons to their clothing to show support for a person or idea.
called also (British) badge
3
a
: a small part of a machine that you push to make the machine work
the on/off button
Will you please push/press the "play" button on the CD player?
With a fax machine, you can send a document across the country with the touch/push of a button.
b
: a small area on a computer screen that you click on to make the computer software do something
If the information on the registration form is correct, click the "OK" button.
buttons; buttoned; buttoning
1
: to attach (a button) by passing it through a hole
He rarely buttons the top button on his shirt.
2
: to close or fasten (something) with buttons
Will you button the baby's jacket for her?
—often + upBe sure to button up your coat before you go outside.
3
: to have buttons for fastening
The skirt buttons on the side.
Cite this Entry
“Button.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/button. Accessed 12 May. 2026.
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