button-down

1 of 2

adjective

but·​ton-down ˈbə-tᵊn-ˌdau̇n 

1

a

of a collar : having the ends fastened to the garment with buttons

b of a shirt

(1)

: having a button-down collar

(2)

: having buttons from the collar to the waist

2

or buttoned-down

ˈbə-tᵊn(d)-ˌdau̇n 

: conservatively traditional or conventional

especially : adhering to conventional norms in dress and behavior

button-down businessmen

button-down

2 of 2

noun

: a shirt with a button-down collar

Synonyms

Adjective

• archconservative
• brassbound
• conservative
• die-hard
• hidebound
• mossbacked
• old-fashioned
• old-line
• old-school
• orthodox
• paleoconservative
• reactionary
• standpat
• traditional
• traditionalistic
• ultraconservative
• unprogressive

Examples of button-down in a Sentence

Adjective

a button-down architectural firm would never have the imagination to produce such a cutting-edge design

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Jorgensen’s groom’s look included Wrangler jeans, a plaid jacket, a button-down shirt, a cowboy hat and boots. —Erin Clack, People.com, 2 Dec. 2024

For smart layering and a didn’t-try-too-hard look, the Linen Boyfriend Shirt is the button-down to pack. —Kelsey Glennon, Travel + Leisure, 1 Dec. 2024

Noun

Behold, the dark academia starter pack: a pleated skirt, an argyle sweater, and a button-down shirt. —Hannah Oh, Seventeen, 17 Mar. 2023

The button-down top with chest pocket and drawstring shorts are made from 95 percent premium viscose from bamboo, making for an amazingly cozy-meets-cooling feel. —Toni Sutton, Peoplemag, 16 Mar. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1897, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun

1924, in the meaning defined above