buttoned-up

adjective

but·​toned-up ˈbə-tᵊnd-ˈəp How to pronounce buttoned-up (audio)
: coldly reserved or standoffish
a buttoned-up executive

Examples of buttoned-up in a Sentence

a buttoned-up colleague who had no interest in talking about anything but work, even at parties
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.
Is their family more buttoned-up? Shelby Wax, Vogue, 2 Apr. 2025 Brown may never be called buttoned-up. Chandler Rome, The Athletic, 25 Mar. 2025 Most people on LinkedIn try to be professional, buttoned-up, and safe. Jodie Cook, Forbes, 12 Mar. 2025 After centuries of weathering and exposure, the colors seen in historical homes today can appear muted and buttoned-up, even drab. Cornelia Powers, Vogue, 16 Dec. 2024 It can be worn buttoned-up or open over a mock turtleneck with jeans. Emily Weaver, People.com, 14 Dec. 2024 Use it as a layering piece or wear it buttoned-up on its own. Melanie Fincher, Southern Living, 29 Nov. 2024 The Bottom Line The era of buttoned-up, corporate talk is over. Lindsey Groepper, Forbes, 11 Oct. 2024 Gail Baines is buttoned-up, repressed school administrator who struggles to connect to people, including her co-workers, her daughter Debbie, and her ex-husband, Max. Stephanie McNeal, Glamour, 30 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1767, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of buttoned-up was in 1767

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Buttoned-up.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/buttoned-up. Accessed 25 Apr. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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