push-button

1 of 2

adjective

push-but·​ton ˈpu̇sh-ˌbə-tᵊn How to pronounce push-button (audio)
1
: operated or done by means of push buttons
a push-button phone
2
: using or dependent on complex and more or less self-operating mechanisms that are put in operation by a simple act comparable to pushing a button
push-button warfare

push button

2 of 2

noun

: a small button or knob that when pushed operates something especially by closing an electric circuit

Examples of push-button in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Adjective
Our enclosures, our frames, are push-button connect, color coded, and very simple to put together. Scott Kramer, Forbes, 13 Oct. 2024 Not quite as extreme is the console series of braking and reversing levers combined with a push-button starter. James Raia, The Mercury News, 6 Oct. 2024
Noun
Indeed, like so many other contests this postseason, Game 6 would require Roberts to push buttons and pull levers with his patchwork pitching staff, having nothing but relievers available to cover nine season-defining innings. Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times, 24 Oct. 2024 The stainless steel bristles are covered with rubber tips for your pet’s comfort, and there’s a push button to expel the hair from the brush for easy cleaning. Madison Yauger, People.com, 7 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for push-button 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'push-button.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1916, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

circa 1874, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of push-button was circa 1874

Dictionary Entries Near push-button

push broom

push-button

push button

Cite this Entry

“Push-button.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/push-button. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

push-button

1 of 2 adjective
1
: operated or done by means of push buttons
a push-button phone
2
: using or dependent on complicated automatic machines
push-button warfare
a push-button civilization

push button

2 of 2 noun
: a small button or knob that when pushed operates something especially by closing an electric circuit

More from Merriam-Webster on push-button

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!