WordGarden.iobutton
A1Pronunciation
UK
- /bˈʌtən/
US
- /ˈbətən/
Meanings
Noun
a small fastener sewn onto clothing
a pressable control on a device or machine
a clickable or tappable control in software
More meaningsFewer meanings
a small round badge worn to show a picture or slogan
Verb
to fasten clothing with buttons
Beyond the definition
A button can do more than one job. Most of us know it as the little fastener that holds clothes together—keeping your shirt closed, your coat snug, or a pocket secure. But it isn’t just for clothing. Think about a remote control or an elevator panel. Those have buttons too—controls you press to make things happen, from turning on a TV to calling an elevator or starting a game.
The word comes from French roots that mean a small knob, and over time it has come to mean anything pressed to trigger a function. So next time you fasten a jacket or tap “play” on a video, notice how this little object can move from clothing to technology.
A button is most commonly known as a small fastener used to secure clothing, like shirts, coats, and pants. These buttons are typically round and have holes through which thread is passed to attach them to fabric. Think of your favorite sweater—those little circles keeping it closed are buttons at work!
However, the word "button" has expanded far beyond just clothing. In modern usage, a button also refers to a switch or control that you press to operate a device. This could be a physical button on an appliance like a washing machine, or a virtual "button" on a touchscreen—the kind you tap on your phone or tablet.
The origin of the word is linked to the French word bouton, meaning a small knob. Originally, these fittings were often decorative and not always functional for fastening. Over time, they became essential in clothing and also came to represent controls on devices and interfaces.
You might "push the button" to start a process, like launching a rocket (the "red button") or initiating a program on a computer. You can even use the word figuratively. For instance, if you "push someone's buttons," you are intentionally doing things to get a strong emotional reaction out of them. If someone is "right on the button," they are exactly correct or perfectly on time.
So whether you're fastening your coat, turning on a light, or navigating a new app, the humble button is a surprisingly versatile part of our world—a small point that often triggers big results.
Examples
- 1
Clothing
There’s a button missing from my coat.
- 2
Sewing repair
She sewed a loose button back onto her shirt.
- 3
Door control
Press the red button to open the door.
- 4
Digital navigation
If you make a mistake, just click the back button.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Getting dressed
Button your jacket before you go outside.
- 6
Shirt fastening
His shirt was buttoned all the way to the top.
- 7
Emergency alarm
Don’t hit the alarm button unless it’s a real emergency.
- 8
Annoying someone
He knows exactly how to push my buttons.
- Phrasepush someone’s buttons
deliberately annoy someone
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- buttonnounverb
Forms
- buttonspluralnounverb
- buttonedpast tenseverbnoun
- buttoning-ing formverbnoun