buttoned-up

[buht-nd-uhp]

adjective

1. conservative, as in professional style or manner.

   Employers are looking for buttoned-up types.

2. carefully planned, operated, supervised, etc..

   It's one of the most buttoned-up companies in the business.

Word History and Origins

Origin of buttoned-up¹

First recorded in 1935–40

Example Sentences

Notwithstanding a change of hair or profession, Demascus remains more or less himself as shapes shift around him — the protagonist, basically a good guy, a little buttoned-up, a little insecure.

From Los Angeles Times

Ironically, it’s that very buttoned-up image that some might know Hamlin for best.

From Salon

The English Premier League, which Martin grew up with, was far too buttoned-up to allow his cameras the access they needed.

From Los Angeles Times

Her shirt might be undone, in contrast to the severe, buttoned-up tailoring of last week, but her shoulders are sharp and accentuated.

From BBC

Perhaps a little throbbing techno was too unconventional for the more buttoned-up Academy members?

From Salon

Related Words

• ambiguous 
• careful 
• cautious 
• circumspect 
• discreet 
• equivocal 
• evasive 
• judicious 
• neutral 
• tactful 
• vague 
• wary