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button

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The definition of a button is a small disk used for fastening two parts of a garment, or is used to operate something.

(noun)

An example of a button is the disk pulled through a buttonhole to close a shirt.
An example of a button is what you push to change the channels on a remote control.

See button in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

any small disk, knob, etc. used as a fastening or ornament, as one put through a buttonhole on a garment
anything small and shaped like a button; specif.,
1. a small emblem of membership, distinction, etc., generally worn in the lapel
2. a small knoblike part, as a bud on a plant or the end of a rattlesnake's rattles
3. a small knoblike part that is pushed or turned to operate a doorbell, electric lamp, etc.
4. a guard on the tip of a fencing foil
5. a small, immature mushroom
☆ Slang the point of the chin

Origin: ME botoun < OFr boton, a button, bud < buter: see butt

transitive verb, intransitive verb

to fasten with or as with a button or buttons
to provide or be provided with a button or buttons

Related Forms:

buttoner noun

See button in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

a. A generally disk-shaped fastener used to join two parts of a garment by fitting through a buttonhole or loop.
b. Such an object used for decoration.
Any of various objects resembling a button, especially:
a. A push-button switch.
b. The blunt tip of a fencing foil.
c. A fused metal or glass globule.
Computer Science
a. In graphical user interface systems, a well-defined area within the interface that is clicked to select a command.
b. In a hypertext database, an icon that when selected allows a user to view a particular associated object.
Any of various knoblike structures of a plant or animal, especially:
a. An immature, unexpanded mushroom.
b. The tip of a rattlesnake's rattle.
A usually round flat badge that bears a design or printed information and is typically pinned to a garment: a campaign button.
Informal The end of the chin, regarded as the point of impact for a punch.

verb but·toned, but·ton·ing, but·tons

verb, transitive

To fasten with buttons: buttoned his shirt; buttoned up her raincoat.
To decorate or furnish with buttons.
Informal To close (the lips or mouth): Button your lip.

verb, intransitive

To be or be capable of being fastened with buttons: The blouse buttons up the back.

Phrasal Verb: button up To fasten one's clothing tightly, as against cold weather. To close or seal securely: button up the cabin for winter. To complete the final details of: “Publication is a couple of months off; they're just buttoning up paperback rights” (Donald Dale Jackson).

Origin:

Origin: Middle English

Origin: , from Old French bouton

Origin: , from bouter, to thrust

Origin: , of Germanic origin; see bhau- in Indo-European roots

Related Forms: