often attributive
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
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
buttoned; buttoning
ˈbət-niŋ 
ˈbə-tᵊn-iŋ
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 winter
: to have buttons for fastening
this dress buttons at the back
Examples 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.
Recent Examples on the Web
Julia Teti, WWD, 20 Nov. 2024
Keep reading to find more button coats inspired by the star below.
—Nicol Natale, People.com, 20 Nov. 2024
Laia Farran Graves, Forbes, 7 Oct. 2024
There’s a lot of familial friction there, as well as some typical father-son stuff, like Boyd being an Army veteran with combat experience and leadership responsibilities, and Ellis a sensitive artist with bad taste in pendants and a seeming physical inability to button his shirt all the way up.
—Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 19 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for button 
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show current usage.
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Noun
The suited ensemble featured a bold purple hue with a double-breasted blazer and gold buttons.
—Julia Teti, WWD, 20 Nov. 2024
Keep reading to find more button coats inspired by the star below.
—Nicol Natale, People.com, 20 Nov. 2024
Verb
The silhouettes were relaxed, with some of the trousers buttoned at the ankle, creating a soft shape.
—Laia Farran Graves, Forbes, 7 Oct. 2024
There’s a lot of familial friction there, as well as some typical father-son stuff, like Boyd being an Army veteran with combat experience and leadership responsibilities, and Ellis a sensitive artist with bad taste in pendants and a seeming physical inability to button his shirt all the way up.
—Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 19 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for button
Dictionary Entries Near button
Cite this Entry
“Button.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/button. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
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 function
Medical Definition
button
noun
but·ton
ˈbət-ᵊn
: something that resembles a small knob or disk: such as
b
: the terminal segment of a rattlesnake's rattle
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