Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Only one character in “Sign” identifies as Black, which surprised white critics who had buttonholed Hansberry as a writer devoted to Black characters.

From New York Times • Feb. 1, 2023

Daviau had buttonholed two board game fans to play the game with us—a mathematician with more than 2,500 games in his collection and an engineer who has been coming to the Gathering for 15 years.

From Slate • Aug. 25, 2016

In another corner was the general, holding forth to a group of hearers, among them Ptitsin, whom he had buttonholed.

From The Idiot by Martin, Eva M.

The Silesian ambassador was seen in very earnest conversation with a young man attached to the Silesian Embassy; and the Minister of War had buttonholed young Lanning.

From The Master Detective Being Some Further Investigations of Christopher Quarles by Brebner, Percy James

In an instant he had buttonholed Oswald, who was of necessity compelled to stand and surrender.

From Fickle Fortune by Elisabeth Burstenbinder (AKA E. Werner)