push button

¹ American  

Or pushbutton

noun

1. 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.

2. the button or knob depressed.

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push-button ² American  

[poosh-buht-n] / ˈpʊʃˌbʌt n /

adjective

1. operated by or as if by push buttons.

   push-button tuning.

2. using complex, automated weapons, as long-range missiles, that require only simple initial steps to put them into action.

   push-button warfare.

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push button British  

noun

1. an electrical switch operated by pressing a button, which closes or opens a circuit

2.  push-button.  (modifier)

   1. operated by a push button

      a push-button radio

   2. initiated as simply as by pressing a button

      push-button warfare

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Etymology

Origin of push button¹

An Americanism dating back to 1875–80

Origin of push-button²

An Americanism dating back to 1875–80

Example Sentences

The ample water reservoir is easy to remove, and we liked the simple lighted push button controls that allow for an easy guided and personalized drink creation experience.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 1, 2021

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

The small push button and small plate through which the number may be seen directly below the transmitter in Fig.

From Cyclopedia of Telephony and Telegraphy, Vol. 2 A General Reference Work on Telephony, etc. etc. by McMeen, Samuel