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• push button
  push button

  noun

  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.
• push-button
  push-button

  adjective

  operated by or as if by push buttons.

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 reachability enabled by digital command also produced anxiety—if anyone could gain access to a push button, how could society maintain control over the unskilled, incompetent, or evil-doing controller?

From Slate • Jun. 20, 2022

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

“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

She turned over and, feeling for the push button, turned on the electric light.

From Nan Sherwood at Palm Beach Or Strange Adventures Among The Orange Groves by Carr, Annie Roe