button
A1Neutral, used across all registers from formal to highly informal.
Definition
Meaning
A small disc or knob sewn onto a garment to fasten it by passing through a buttonhole; a small device on a machine pressed to activate a function.
A small, usually circular, object that functions as a fastener, a control, or a point of contact. It can also refer to a badge worn to show support or membership, a point on a webpage or screen that is clicked to initiate an action, and the tip of a fencing foil. Figuratively, it can mean something of little value or a key trigger point.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The word is a concrete noun (physical object) that has been metaphorically extended to digital interfaces ('click the button') and other abstract control points ('the panic button'). The verb form 'to button' means to fasten with buttons.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Primarily in the verb phrase for fastening clothing. British English strongly prefers 'do up' for buttons (and zips). American English uses 'button (up)'. The noun is identical. In US slang, 'button' can refer to the point of the chin in boxing.
Connotations
In British English, 'to do up your buttons' can sound slightly more child-directed or informal than the neutral 'fasten'. In American English, 'button your shirt' is standard.
Frequency
The noun 'button' is equally frequent. The verb 'to button' is more frequent in American English.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
button (something) (up)do up a button (BE)be buttoned (up) (adj.)N + button (e.g., elevator button)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “on the button (exactly right/on time)”
- “button your lip (be quiet)”
- “press/push someone's buttons (to provoke a reaction)”
- “as bright as a button (intelligent and alert)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
"The final report is due on the button at 5 PM." (idiomatic: exactly on time)
Academic
"The researcher identified the cortical button responsible for the motor response." (technical/biological)
Everyday
"Can you help me do up the top button on my coat?"
Technical
"Ensure the GUI's submit button has sufficient color contrast for accessibility."
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- She told the child to do up his buttons.
- He hurriedly buttoned his waistcoat.
American English
- Button your coat, it's cold outside.
- She buttoned up her shirt quickly.
adverb
British English
- (Rare/not standard) N/A
American English
- (Rare/not standard) N/A
adjective
British English
- He wore a button-down collar to the interview.
- The dress had a button-front closure.
American English
- He prefers a button-down shirt for work.
- It's a classic button-front cardigan.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- My coat has six black buttons.
- Press the green button to start.
- I've lost a button from my favourite blouse.
- The lift wouldn't move until I pressed the button for my floor.
- His sarcastic comment really pushed her buttons.
- The new software update has moved the settings button to a different menu.
- The ambassador's finger was metaphorically hovering over the diplomatic panic button.
- The study focused on the molecular 'buttons' that trigger cell apoptosis.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
A BUTTON is a small, round thing you BUTT-on with your finger to open a shirt or turn something ON.
Conceptual Metaphor
CONTROL IS A BUTTON (e.g., 'the nuclear button', 'the easy button'); TRIGGERING AN ACTION IS PRESSING A BUTTON (e.g., 'that really pushes my buttons').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not translate 'button' (on a website) as 'кнопка' in the sense of a physical keyboard key; use 'клавиша' for keyboard keys. 'Кнопка' is correct for GUI buttons.
- The Russian 'пуговица' refers only to clothing buttons, not machine/interface buttons.
- Avoid calquing 'belly button' as 'пупок-кнопка'; use just 'пупок'.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect: 'Push the switch' for 'push the button' (elevator).
- Incorrect: 'He doesn't button his jacket' (BE preference: 'He doesn't do up his jacket').
- Incorrect verb form: 'I am buttoning my coat' is correct, not 'I am buttoning up my coat' (though 'button up' is a phrasal verb).
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'button' used idiomatically?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, 'belly button' is an informal, chiefly child-friendly term. The formal/medical term is 'navel'.
They are largely interchangeable. 'Press' is slightly more common for gentle action (elevator, keyboard). 'Push' can imply a firmer action or is used in idioms ('push my buttons').
Yes, though less common. E.g., 'Button the phone case shut.' or 'She buttoned the holster.' It generally means to fasten with a button-like mechanism.
For on-screen GUI elements, 'click the button' is standard. 'Press the button' is used for physical buttons (keyboard, mouse). 'Tap the button' is common for touchscreens.
Collections
Part of a collection
Colors and Clothes
A1 · 45 words · Colors and common items of clothing.