button
//ˈbʌtən//
Forms
- Plural
- buttons
- present (v1)
- button
- past (v2)
- buttoned
- past participle (v3)
- buttoned
- present participle
- buttoning
- 3rd person singular
- buttons
Definitions
1.A knob or disc that is passed through a loop or (buttonhole), serving as a fastener.
- April fastened the buttons of her overcoat to keep out the wind.
2.A mechanical device designed to be pressed with a finger in order to open or close an electric circuit or to activate a mechanism.
- Pat pushed the button marked "shred" on the blender.
3.An on-screen control that can be selected as an activator of an attached function.
- Click the button that looks like a house to return to your browser's home page.
4.A badge worn on clothes, fixed with a pin through the fabric.
- The politician wore a bright yellow button with the slogan "Vote Smart" emblazoned on it.
1.To stop talking.(informal)
2.To fasten with a button.
- He was a tall, fat, long-bodied man, buttoned up to the throat in a tight green coat.
3.To be fastened by a button or buttons.
- The coat will not button.
Frequency
Overall
Uncommon· #2317
By learning goal
- Everyday conversation
- Rare
- General reading & writing
- Uncommon
- Academic
- Rare
- Literature
- Rare
Related words
Etymology
From Middle English boton, botoun, from Old French boton (Modern French bouton), from Old French bouter, boter (“to push; thrust”), ultimately from a Germanic language.
Doublet of bouton, Biden, and beat.
More at butt.