unbutton

American  

[uhn-buht-n] / ʌnˈbʌt n /

verb (used with object)

1. to free (buttons) from buttonholes; unfasten or undo.

2. to unfasten by or as if by unbuttoning.

   to unbutton a jacket.

3. to disclose (one's feelings, thoughts, etc.) after deliberate or prolonged silence.

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verb (used without object)

1. to unfasten a button or one's buttons.

unbutton British  

/ ʌnˈbʌtən /

verb

1. to undo by unfastening (the buttons) of (a garment)

2. informal to release or relax (oneself, tension, etc)

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Etymology

Origin of unbutton

First recorded in 1275–1325, unbutton is from the Middle English word unbotenen. See un- ², button

Example Sentences

She was spotted on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon earlier this year wearing a black dress and heels, while her husband showed up in ripped jeans and an unbuttoned shirt.

From The Wall Street Journal

In style, both personal and professional, he was the essence of low-key, unbuttoned California.

From The Wall Street Journal

His white shirt is unbuttoned far enough to display a diamond-encrusted necklace with the crest of his beloved football club, Celtic.

From BBC

Mr Brand did not speak to reporters and looked straight ahead as he entered the court building wearing a dark suit and unbuttoned shirt.

From BBC

On hand to assist with the unveiling near the intersection of Hollywood and Vine were Lakers great and fellow Dodgers owner Magic Johnson and Oscar winner Jamie Lee Curtis, who wore an unbuttoned Dodgers jacket.

From Los Angeles Times