# button

/ˈbətən/ (US) · /bˈʌtən/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/button
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. clothing fastener

noun · CEFR A2

a small, round object on clothes that you push through a hole to keep the garment closed.

For teachers: a small disk or knob sewn onto a garment, designed to be passed through a buttonhole to secure the opening.

- The top button of his shirt was missing, so he wore a scarf to hide it.
- She fumbled with the tiny pearl buttons on the back of the vintage dress, finding them difficult to secure without assistance.

### 2. mechanical switch

noun · CEFR A2

a small part of a machine or device that you press to make it do something.

For teachers: a physical switch or interface element that, when depressed, completes an electrical circuit or activates a mechanical process.

- Press the red button to start the coffee machine.
- The emergency stop button is positioned within easy reach of the operator to ensure the assembly line can be halted instantly.

### 3. digital icon

noun · CEFR B1

a small area on a computer screen or phone that you click or touch to perform an action.

For teachers: a graphical user interface element designed to mimic a physical button, used to trigger a specific software function.

- Click the 'Submit' button at the bottom of the form to send your application.
- The developer moved the 'Delete' button to a separate menu to prevent users from accidentally erasing their data.

### 4. badge

noun · CEFR B1 · American English

a small round piece of metal or plastic with a picture or message that you pin to your clothes.

For teachers: a circular badge or pin-back fastener worn on clothing, typically displaying a political message, logo, or decorative design.

- He wore a campaign button on his jacket to show which candidate he supported.
- The protesters distributed bright yellow buttons featuring the movement's slogan to everyone entering the square.

### 5. nuclear trigger

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

the power to start a nuclear war or a very large disaster.

For teachers: a metaphorical reference to the authority or mechanism required to initiate a nuclear strike or cataclysmic event.

- People worry about which world leaders have their finger on the button.
- Diplomatic efforts were intensified to ensure that no single impulsive leader would have unilateral control over the button.

### 6. to fasten

verb · CEFR A2

to close a piece of clothing using buttons.

For teachers: to secure a garment or opening by passing buttons through their corresponding holes.

- Button your coat before you go outside; it is very cold today.
- He carefully buttoned his waistcoat, checking his reflection in the mirror to ensure every fastener was aligned correctly.

### 7. to stop talking

verb · CEFR B2 · Informal

to stop talking or keep a secret.

For teachers: to cease speaking or maintain silence, often used as an imperative in the phrase 'button it'.

- If you can't say anything nice, you should just button it.
- The witness was warned to button it regarding the details of the investigation until the trial officially commenced.

## Examples

- I need to sew a button back onto my shirt.
- The elevator will not move until you press the button for the correct floor.
- Modern aircraft cockpits have replaced many physical buttons with touchscreens, though critical safety controls remain as tactile switches for immediate pilot recognition.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.