a device designed to close or open an electric circuit when a button or knob is depressed, and to return to a normal position when it is released.
the button or knob depressed.
operated by or as if by push buttons.
push-button tuning.
using complex, automated weapons, as long-range missiles, that require only simple initial steps to put them into action.
push-button warfare.
an electrical switch operated by pressing a button, which closes or opens a circuit
push-button. (modifier)
operated by a push button
a push-button radio
initiated as simply as by pressing a button
push-button warfare
An Americanism dating back to 1875–80
An Americanism dating back to 1875–80
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The Tribest Glass Raw Tea Kettle GKD-450-B lacks a push button on the handle.
From Slate • Oct. 26, 2018
“In ’80, there was no push button, come-rescue-me button.
From Washington Post • Mar. 2, 2017
A large push button replaced the steering, and light sensors mounted underneath the car will allow it to follow a line of tape along the floor whenever Scarlett hits the button.
From Washington Times • Dec. 19, 2016
When AT&T unveiled the first commercial push button phone in 1963, part of its pitch was simple: calling someone would be faster than it was on rotary phones.
From New York Times • Mar. 11, 2011
The push button is an essential part of every electric bell, because without it the bell either would not ring at all, or would ring incessantly until the cell was exhausted.
From General Science by Clark, Bertha M.
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
