often attributive
1
a
: a small knob or disk secured to an article (as of clothing) and used as a fastener by passing it through a buttonhole or loop
b
: a usually circular metal or plastic badge bearing a stamped design or printed slogan
campaign button
2
: something that resembles a button: such as
a
: any of various parts or growths of a plant or of an animal: such as
(1)
: bud
(2)
: an immature whole mushroom
especially
: button mushroom
(3)
: the terminal segment of a rattlesnake's rattle
b
: a small globule of metal remaining after fusion (as in assaying)
c
: a guard on the tip of a fencing foil
3
a
b
: something (such as a push button) that has the real or symbolic capability of initiating a catastrophe (such as a nuclear attack)
has his finger on the button
c
: a hidden sensitivity that can be manipulated to produce a desired response
knows how to push my buttons
d
: a usually box-shaped computer icon that initiates a specific software function
4
: the point of the chin especially as a target for a knockout blow
see also:
buttoned; buttoning
ˈbət-niŋ
ˈbə-tᵊn-iŋ
1
: to furnish or decorate with buttons
2
a
: to pass (a button) through a buttonhole or loop
b
: to close or fasten with buttons
—often used with up
It's cold outside, so button up your coat.
3
a
: to close (the lips) to prevent speech
I told you to button your lip.
b
: to close or seal tightly
—usually used with up
have to button up the house for winter
: to have buttons for fastening
This dress buttons at the back.
Cite this Entry
“Button.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/button. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.
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