First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1button
noun, but·ton often attributive \ˈbə-tən\
: 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 small, usually round sign that has a picture or words on the front and a pin on the back
: a small part of a machine that you push to make the machine work
Full Definition 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: as a : any of various parts or growths of a plant or of an animal: 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 (as a push button) that has the real or symbolic capability of initiating a catastrophe (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
— but·ton·less \-ləs\ adjective
— on the button
: exactly <arrived at noon on the button>; also : exactly on target : on the nose <the estimate was right on the button>
See button defined for English-language learners
See button defined for kids
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Origin of BUTTON
Middle English boton, from Anglo-French butun rose hip, stud, from buter to thrust — more at butt
Other Clothing Terms
2button
verb
: to attach (a button) by passing it through a hole
: to close or fasten (something) with buttons
: to have buttons for fastening
but·tonedbut·ton·ing \ˈbət-niŋ, ˈbə-tən-iŋ\
Full Definition of BUTTON
transitive 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 winter>
intransitive verb
: to have buttons for fastening <this dress buttons at the back>
— but·ton·er \ˈbət-nər, ˈbə-tən-ər\ noun
See button defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of BUTTON
14th century
BUTTON[1] Defined for Kids
1button
noun but·ton \ˈbə-tən\
Definition of BUTTON for Kids
1
: a small ball or disk used for holding parts of a garment together or as an ornament
2
: a small often round part of a machine that makes the machine do something when pushed
2button
verb
but·tonedbut·ton·ing
Definition of BUTTON for Kids
: to close or fasten with buttons
Medical Dictionary
button
noun but·ton \ˈbət-ən\
Medical Definition of BUTTON
: something that resembles a small knob or disk: as a : the terminal segment of a rattlesnake's rattle b : cotyledon 1
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