unbutton

verb

un·​but·​ton ˌən-ˈbə-tᵊn 

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

Wear it with a French tuck, unbuttoned, or tied in a cute knot at your waist. —Sian Babish, PEOPLE, 17 May 2026

Earlier that week, the lithe 28-year-old walked the film festival’s storied red carpet wearing a custom Vivienne Westwood tuxedo and, of course, a shirt unbuttoned almost to the navel. —Leah Dolan, CNN Money, 15 May 2026

To add to the breezy summer feel of her look, Cyrus wore her loose denim top unbuttoned right to her sternum, forgoing any necklaces in favor or bold aviator sunglasses. —Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 14 May 2026

Two of our esteemed gubernatorial candidates, the cowboy and the dilettante, apparently could not find ties for the first debate Wednesday night, showing up with dress shirts casually unbuttoned. —Los Angeles Times, 23 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Rhymes for unbutton

• button
• clutton
• glutton
• mutton

Kids Definition

unbutton

verb

un·​but·​ton ˌən-ˈbət-ᵊn 

: to unfasten the buttons of (as a garment)