push-button

1 of 2

adjective

push-but·​ton ˈpu̇sh-ˌbə-tᵊn 

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

Also one of the first homes in the city with electrical wiring incorporated into its original plans, the place still has a main panel at the entryway that controls 12 large gravity furnaces in the basement and operational push-button light switches. —Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 13 June 2024

Likewise, folding or raising the seats is push-button easy. —James Raia, The Mercury News, 4 June 2024

Noun

These have four multidirectional spinner wheels, a telescoping handle with a push button, and interior mesh and zipper pockets. —Alesandra Dubin, Travel + Leisure, 15 June 2024

Did that change your thinking about comedy and who gets made fun of and how and when to push buttons? —David Marchese, New York Times, 4 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1916, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

circa 1874, in the meaning defined above

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