unbutton

verb

un·​but·​ton ˌən-ˈbə-tᵊn How to pronounce unbutton (audio)
unbuttoned; unbuttoning; unbuttons
Synonyms of unbuttonnext

transitive verb

1
: to loose the buttons of
2
: to open by or as if by loosing buttons

intransitive verb

: to undo buttons

Examples of unbutton in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
His shirt is almost fully unbuttoned, chain dangling, looking for a target to direct his adrenaline rush. — Jeff Weiss, HollywoodReporter, 1 Sep. 2026 At a conference last Friday announcing the city had come to an agreement with the county and the team, Clendenin unbuttoned his dress shirt to reveal a Rays jersey customized with his name. — Nicolas Villamil, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 Aug. 2026 The scoop neck has five functional buttons that can be undone, as well as elbow-length sleeves that can be unbuttoned to hang even lower. — Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 13 Aug. 2026 Until a decade ago, Roth sported a military-style buzz cut and usually wore a Prada suit in either gray, navy blue, or black with an untucked shirt, no tie, top button unbuttoned, and sneakers. — Marisa Meltzer, Vanity Fair, 12 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unbutton

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of unbutton was in the 14th century

Rhymes for unbutton

See All Rhymes for unbutton

Browse Nearby Words

unbuttered
unbutton
unbuttoned
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unbutton.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unbutton. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

unbutton

verb
un·​but·​ton ˌən-ˈbət-ᵊn How to pronounce unbutton (audio)
: to unfasten the buttons of (as a garment)

More from Merriam-Webster on unbutton

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