WordGarden.iounbutton
A1Pronunciation
UK
- /ʌnbˈʌtən/
US
- /ənˈbətən/
Meanings
Verb
to undo the buttons of a garment or other clothing
(informal)to become less restrained or speak more openly
Beyond the definition
Imagine you're coming in from a chilly walk. You might unbutton your coat to feel more comfortable. To unbutton something means to open it by undoing the buttons that keep it closed, like opening the top of your shirt before bed or loosening your collar after a long day. It is a small action, but it changes how something feels right away. The word can also be used in a figurative way. If someone finally unbuttons and shares their feelings, they are relaxing, opening up, and speaking more freely.
To unbutton literally means to open something that is fastened with buttons. Think of the simple relief as you unbutton your favorite jeans after a long day or carefully unbutton a delicate blouse before washing it. It's a small, rhythmic action with a clear result: releasing what was held together and letting the fabric fall open.
While the word is primarily rooted in clothing, it has a rich figurative life. To unbutton often suggests loosening up or becoming more open and expressive. If someone who is usually reserved starts to unbutton around you, it means they're relaxing, sharing more of themselves, and letting their guard down. It's like releasing the social tension held in by those metaphorical buttons!
Furthermore, the word can describe an atmosphere; an "unbuttoned" event is one that is informal and relaxed rather than stiff and strictly formal. So, whether you are dealing with a garment or a person's personality, to unbutton is to release, open up, or transition into a state of ease.
Examples
- 1
Coming indoors
She unbuttoned her coat as soon as she came inside.
- 2
Tight clothing
He unbuttoned the top button of his shirt because it felt too tight.
- 3
Baby care
Please unbutton the baby's jacket slowly so you don't wake her.
- 4
Relaxed appearance
By the end of the meeting, his collar was unbuttoned and his tie was loose.
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- unbuttonverb
Forms
- unbuttonedpast tenseverb
- unbuttoning-ing formverb
- unbuttonsverb