button

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "button" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a round knob or disk that is usually attached to an article of clothing and used to fasten it by means of a loop or hole. For example, "She had to sew a new button onto her shirt after the old one came off."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Tech

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Really a computer runs the ride and a member of staff just presses a button to release the cars from the station.

The Guardian

Secret Ancoats location, Fri JT Oval Space opens its doors for its first 24-hour party, full of techno with its top button done up.

The Guardian - Music

Residents will be able to control the heat and ventilation of their homes at the touch of a button and sell their surplus energy into the grid.

The Guardian

Clicking the start button brings up a menu, which – although isn't exactly the same as Windows 7 or those before it – is more familiar than the full-screen tiled interface of Windows 8.

The Guardian - Tech

For machines like the Surface Pro (which has a detachable keyboard), when the keyboard is attached it behaves like a desktop machine; without it, Windows switches to a more touch-friendly interface with an on-screen back button and other touch elements to make things a bit easier with fingers on a screen.

The Guardian - Tech

Lynch voiced the highs in an inspiring way, giving herself treats to look forward to such as her brother's wedding and time with friends at Glastonbury, calling the festival "Middle-Class-Tonbury" because she was booked to stay in a camper van: "It was time to take my finger off the pause button and press play on my lovely life once more".

The Guardian

All the Guardian's global content is still there - you can go back to the UK site by clicking on the 'UK' button at the top left hand corner.

The Guardian

Rather than manually selecting what you want to download, there is one button that allows you to download your homescreen and your favourites.

The Guardian

Who knows, maybe they clicked the wrong button… Postecoglou, with just three games in charge so far and a few weeks in camp to implement his ideas, is seeing how difficult it is to change a style of play and implement new personnel.

The Guardian - Sport

You can add yours in the comments below or via GuardianWitness and the contribute button.

The Guardian

Over the last few days that DUP threat to hit the electoral nuclear button has receded in all likelihood because the UUP has called their rivals' bluff.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing user interfaces, be specific about the "button's" function. Instead of saying "click the button", say "click the submit button" or "click the download button".

Common error

Avoid using "button" interchangeably with "switch" or "knob". A "button" is typically pressed, while a switch is flipped and a knob is turned. Using the correct term ensures clarity.

Linguistic Context

The word "button" primarily functions as a noun, referring to a fastener or a control. It can also act as a verb, meaning to fasten with a button. Ludwig AI confirms the versatility of "button" across different contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Tech

25%

Lifestyle

15%

Less common in

Sport

10%

Opinion

8%

Wiki

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "button" is a versatile term, most commonly used as a noun to describe a fastener or a control. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across various contexts. When writing, pay attention to the specific function of the "button" you are describing to ensure clarity. Avoid confusing "button" with similar terms like "switch" or "knob". This analysis, based on numerous real-world examples from authoritative sources, provides a comprehensive understanding of how to effectively use the word "button" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

push-button

Focuses on the action of pressing a button, emphasizing the method of activation.

fastener

Highlights the primary function of a button as a device to close or secure clothing.

control

Emphasizes the function of a button as a means of operating a device or system.

switch

Implies a similar function of activating or deactivating something, but through a different mechanism.

knob

Refers to a similar type of control, typically rotated rather than pressed.

dial

Indicates a rotating mechanism for control, often used for adjusting levels or settings.

on-screen icon

Specifically refers to a digital representation of a button on a user interface.

press

Highlights the physical action of pushing a button.

badge

Specifies a button used for identification or affiliation, often worn on clothing.

nub

Refers to a small, protruding part, similar to the physical form of some buttons.

FAQs

How can I use "button" in a sentence?

You can use "button" in a variety of contexts. For example, "She pressed the elevator "call button"", or "The coat has a missing "spare button" on the sleeve".

What are the different meanings of "button"?

The word "button" can refer to a fastener on clothing, a control on a device, or even a badge. Understanding the context is key to interpreting its meaning correctly.

Which is correct, "press the button" or "push the button"?

Both "press the button" and "push the button" are correct and commonly used. The choice depends on personal preference, as they are largely interchangeable in this context.

What's the difference between a "button" and a "switch"?

A "button" is typically pressed momentarily to activate a function, while a "switch" is usually toggled to maintain a state (on or off). This functional difference dictates their appropriate usage.