button-down

American  

[buht-n-doun] / ˈbʌt nˌdaʊn /

adjective

1. (of a shirt collar) having buttonholes so it can be buttoned to the body of the shirt.

2. (of a shirt) having a button-down collar.

3. (of a shirt) having buttons down the front from the collar to the bottom.

4. Also buttoned-down (especially of attitudes, opinions, etc.) extremely conventional; unimaginative.

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button-down British  

adjective

1. (of a collar) having points that are fastened to the garment with buttons

2. (of a shirt) having a button-down collar

3. Also: buttoned-down.  conventional or conservative

   a button-down corporate culture

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Etymology

Origin of button-down

An Americanism dating back to 1930–35

Example Sentences

An attendant in black dress pants, a white short-sleeve button down, and a tie asks if I want the $10 or extra bells and whistles $15 wash.

From Salon • Jul. 21, 2024

In one photo, Reba is wearing a black button down, her salt and pepper hair cropped short above her deep-set eyes.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 1, 2024

A white, short-sleeved button down top decorated with red poppy flowers screams in the center.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 9, 2022

But no worries — his journey in no way obliges him to button down or up.

From New York Times • Jul. 29, 2021

Why, why, why do they have to hold the button down forever?

From "When You Reach Me" by Rebecca Stead