unbutton

verb

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

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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
This technique allows stage actors to tear off their clothes during short scene changes during a play, instead of wasting precious time unbuttoning them. Alex Haddon, The Indianapolis Star, 29 July 2024 However, they’re placed on the sides of the legs so shoppers can have the option to wear the dress as is or to unbutton the sides for an easy-breezy, leg-baring look. Victoria Montalti, refinery29.com, 27 Mar. 2024 After a taste of the Da Bomb hot sauce, Klum stunned an unassuming Evans by unbuttoning her denim top to fan herself off from the heat. Jessica Wang, EW.com, 20 June 2024 At the 2024 Oscars, Ryan Gosling sported a custom black Gucci suit with subtle metallic piping, a black shirt unbuttoned midway and hot pink socks as a nod to his film Barbie. Brittany Talarico, Peoplemag, 9 May 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near unbutton

Cite this Entry

“Unbutton.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unbutton. Accessed 16 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

unbutton

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

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