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.
Martin, in a white shirt unbuttoned at the chest and loose camouflage trousers, flowed through his samba. — Raymond Braun, Vogue, 20 Oct. 2026 The buttons running down the front placket of the sweater were unbuttoned toward the top but closed at the bust line. — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 28 Sep. 2026 Lopez wore her crisp white elbow-length short completely unbuttoned, showing off a glimpse of her black triangle bra underneath. — Lara Walsh, InStyle, 23 Sep. 2026 Newsom, standing in the river in aviator shades, his dark blue shirt unbuttoned to the sternum, shrugged and acknowledged the point. — Jack Dolan, Los Angeles Times, 16 Sep. 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 27 Oct. 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)

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