Button
/ˈbʌtən/
Definitions
3 meaningsA small object used to fasten something.
/ˈbʌtən/
A small, usually round, object used to fasten clothing.
He sewed a new button onto his shirt.
💡 Simply: A small thing you push to close or open something.
More Examples
The button on my remote control is broken.
How It's Used
"She fastened the buttons on her coat."
A device that activates a function when pressed.
/ˈbʌtən/
A switch or control that is pressed to activate a function.
Click the 'Submit' button.
💡 Simply: A switch that you press to do something.
More Examples
The power button is located on the back of the computer.
How It's Used
"Press the 'start' button to begin the process."
To fasten something using buttons.
/ˈbʌtən/
To fasten with buttons.
Please button your coat.
💡 Simply: To close something using buttons.
More Examples
He carefully buttoned his shirt.
How It's Used
"She buttoned up her shirt before going outside."
Idioms & expressions
push the button
To easily initiate an action or process.
"He just pushed the button and the machine started."
From Middle English boton, from Old French boton, from Vulgar Latin *botōnem, diminutive of Latin buttō 'button'.
The use of buttons as clothing fasteners has a long history, dating back to antiquity, although the modern button design evolved gradually.
Memory tip
Think of a 'but'toning your clothes, a small knob to fasten.