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.

---

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

---

Etymology

Origin of button-down

An Americanism dating back to 1930–35

Example Sentences

Newsboy caps, button-down vests and a predominance of subtle plaids recalled "Peaky Blinders", while pocket watch chains consolidated the 1920s feel.

From Barron's • Feb. 26, 2026

In her 2024 Tiny Desk Concert for NPR, Roan is surrounded by seven femme musicians, each wearing red lipstick, blue eyeshadow, a pink button-down or a red party dress.

From Salon • Feb. 19, 2026

A former accountant known for his intense focus and discipline, Hemsley has a button-down style.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 17, 2026

Zelensky has eschewed suits, button-down shirts and ties - even during important meetings with world leaders - since the start of the full-scale Russian invasion of his country began in 2022.

From BBC • Mar. 1, 2025

Dressed in pressed khakis and a crisp, blue button-down, Dad towered over Mom’s petite frame.

From "Sir Fig Newton and the Science of Persistence" by Sonja Thomas