cuff button: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Fashion/Tailoring
Quick answer
What does “cuff button” mean?
A small button used to fasten the cuff (end) of a shirt sleeve.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A small button used to fasten the cuff (end) of a shirt sleeve.
Primarily refers to a functional or decorative button on a shirt or blouse sleeve. In historical fashion, also refers to a button used on coat or jacket cuffs. Can be part of a set of sleeve fasteners, which may include cufflinks on formal shirts.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is identical in meaning. British English may be slightly more likely to use the term in traditional tailoring contexts.
Connotations
Neutral and functional in both varieties.
Frequency
Low frequency in both, as it's a specific item. The simpler term 'button' is often used in context (e.g., 'My shirt button came off').
Grammar
How to Use “cuff button” in a Sentence
The [material] cuff button on his [garment] was loose.She repaired the missing cuff button.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “cuff button” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The cuff-button placement was unconventional.
- It was a cuff-button issue.
American English
- The cuff-button design was patented.
- We had a cuff-button malfunction.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in the context of professional attire or uniform specifications.
Academic
Very rare, potentially in historical or fashion studies.
Everyday
Used when specifically discussing clothing repair or details.
Technical
Standard term in tailoring, fashion design, and garment manufacturing.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “cuff button”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “cuff button”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cuff button”
- Using 'cuff button' to refer to cufflinks on formal double cuffs.
- Spelling as 'cuffbutton' (should be two words or hyphenated: cuff-button).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A cuff button is typically a standard button sewn onto a single shirt cuff. A cufflink is a separate piece of jewellery used to fasten together the two sides of a double cuff (French cuff) on a formal shirt.
Historically and in tailoring, yes. Some suit jackets have non-functional buttons on the sleeve cuff. Today, 'sleeve button' or 'jacket button' is more common for that context.
You would typically ask for a 'shirt button' or a 'button for a shirt cuff', possibly specifying the size and colour. Most haberdasheries sell generic shirt buttons.
Not in everyday conversation. It is a specific term used when the precise location of the button needs to be specified, often in tailoring, repair contexts, or detailed clothing descriptions.
A small button used to fasten the cuff (end) of a shirt sleeve.
Cuff button is usually formal, fashion/tailoring in register.
Cuff button: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkʌf ˌbʌt.ən/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkʌf ˌbʌt.ən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine CUFFing (lightly hitting) a BUTTON to get it to stay on your shirt sleeve.
Conceptual Metaphor
A SMALL OBJECT AS A FASTENER; A DETAIL AS A POINT OF FAILURE (e.g., 'losing a cuff button').
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'cuff button' most technically accurate?