bellybutton: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Informal, colloquial. Often used in familiar or child-directed speech.
Quick answer
What does “bellybutton” mean?
The small, round, hollow or raised area on the abdomen where the umbilical cord was attached.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The small, round, hollow or raised area on the abdomen where the umbilical cord was attached; navel.
Used colloquially to refer to the center or middle of something in a figurative sense.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
'Navel' is more formal in both varieties. 'Bellybutton' is common in both, but may be perceived as slightly more childlike in British English.
Connotations
Generally neutral or affectionate in informal contexts. Can be considered cute or silly.
Frequency
Very common in everyday, informal American English. Common in British English, but perhaps with a slightly stronger association with children's language.
Grammar
How to Use “bellybutton” in a Sentence
[Have/Get] + a + [adj] + bellybuttonverb + (preposition) + bellybutton: poke, show, pierce (your) bellybuttonVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “bellybutton” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- It's not a word used as a verb.
American English
- It's not a word used as a verb.
adverb
British English
- It's not a word used as an adverb.
American English
- It's not a word used as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- It's not a word used as an adjective.
American English
- It's not a word used as an adjective.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Not used in formal academic writing; use 'navel' or 'umbilicus'.
Everyday
Very common in informal conversation and with children.
Technical
Not used; 'umbilicus' is the anatomical term.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bellybutton”
- Misspelling as 'belly button' (two words) is extremely common and often accepted, but the closed compound 'bellybutton' is standard. Using it in formal writing.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is a common variant spelling. Dictionaries often list both 'belly button' and 'bellybutton'.
'Bellybutton' is informal and colloquial. 'Navel' is the standard, neutral term. 'Umbilicus' is the technical, medical term.
No, it is exclusively a noun.
It can be, especially in British English, but it is widely used by adults in informal American and British contexts without sounding immature.
The small, round, hollow or raised area on the abdomen where the umbilical cord was attached.
Bellybutton is usually informal, colloquial. often used in familiar or child-directed speech. in register.
Bellybutton: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbɛliˌbʌtn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbɛliˌbʌtn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “navel-gazing (related concept, but uses the formal 'navel')”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a button on your belly. A 'belly-button'.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE BODY IS A MACHINE/OBJECT (with buttons).
Practice
Quiz
In which context would 'bellybutton' be INAPPROPRIATE to use?