Button Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster
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button
1 of 2noun
but·ton ˈbə-tᵊn often attributive Synonyms of button 1 a : a small knob or disk secured to an article (as of clothing) and used as a fastener by passing it through a buttonhole or loop b : a usually circular metal or plastic badge bearing a stamped design or printed slogan campaign button 2 : something that resembles a button: such as a : any of various parts or growths of a plant or of an animal: such as (1) : bud (2) : an immature whole mushroom especially : button mushroom (3) : the terminal segment of a rattlesnake's rattle b : a small globule of metal remaining after fusion (as in assaying) c : a guard on the tip of a fencing foil 3 a : push button b : something (such as a push button) that has the real or symbolic capability of initiating a catastrophe (such as a nuclear attack) has his finger on the button c : a hidden sensitivity that can be manipulated to produce a desired response knows how to push my buttons d : a usually box-shaped computer icon that initiates a specific software function 4 : the point of the chin especially as a target for a knockout blow buttonless ˈbə-tᵊn-ləs adjectivebutton
2 of 2verb
buttoned ; buttoning ˈbət-niŋ ˈbə-tᵊn-iŋtransitive verb
1 : to furnish or decorate with buttons 2 a : to pass (a button) through a buttonhole or loop b : to close or fasten with buttons often used with up button up your overcoat 3 a : to close (the lips) to prevent speech button your lip b : to close or seal tightly usually used with up button up the house for winterintransitive verb
: to have buttons for fastening this dress buttons at the back buttoner ˈbət-nər ˈbə-tᵊn-ər noun Phrases on the button : exactly arrived at noon on the button also : exactly on target : on the nose the estimate was right on the buttonExamples of button in a Sentence
Noun 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. Will you please push the ‘play’ button on the CD player? With a fax machine, you can send a document across the country with the touch of a button . If the information on the registration form is correct, click the ‘OK’ button . Verb He rarely buttons the top button on his shirt. Will you button the baby's jacket for her? The skirt buttons on the side. See More Recent Examples on the Web Noun Touch a button on the steering wheel and the rear wing moves into a flat position, thus reducing drag at higher speeds, allowing the car to slip through the air more freely. Mark Ewing, Forbes , 17 Aug. 2024 The Grace Karin design has a V-neck and gold buttons that offer a look of pure elegance. Nicol Natale, Peoplemag , 17 Aug. 2024 Verb And, in failing to get very far, those campers were also visibly scared of crime, buttoning themselves up inside their metal cocoons as dusk fell in order to give themselves an illusion of safety. Wes Siler, Outside Online , 9 Aug. 2024 But because things are still being buttoned up, much remains TBD, perhaps frustratingly so. Jasmin Malik Chua, Sourcing Journal , 3 Sep. 2019 See all Example Sentences for buttonThese examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word '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
EtymologyNoun
Middle English boton , from Anglo-French butun rose hip, stud, from buter to thrust — more at butt entry 3
First Known UseNoun
14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
Verb
14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1
Time Traveler The first known use of button was in the 14th century See more words from the same centuryPhrases Containing button
(as) cute as a button bachelor's button back button belly button button bar button - down button it button man button mushroom button nose button one's lip / lips button quail button snakeroot campaign button hot button mescal button on the button panic button peyote button push button push / hit / press the panic button snooze button See MoreDictionary Entries Near button
buttock
button
button aster
See More Nearby EntriesCite this Entry
Style MLA Chicago APA Merriam-Webster“Button.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary , Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/button. Accessed 3 Sep. 2024.
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button
1 of 2 noun but·ton ˈbət-ᵊn 1 a : a small knob or disk used for holding parts of a garment together or as an ornament b : a usually round badge bearing a design or slogan a campaign button 2 : something (as a small or young mushroom) that resembles a button 3 : push button also : a computer image that resembles a push button in appearance and functionbutton
2 of 2 verb buttoned ; buttoning ˈbət-niŋ -ᵊn-iŋ : to close or fasten with buttons buttoner -nər -ᵊn-ər nounMedical Definition
button
noun but·ton ˈbət-ᵊn : something that resembles a small knob or disk: such as a : cotyledon sense 1 b : the terminal segment of a rattlesnake's rattleMore from Merriam-Webster on button
Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for button
Nglish: Translation of button for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of button for Arabic Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about button
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