"button down" vs "button-down"

Question

"button down" vs "button-down"

Both "button-down" and "button down" are correct, but they are used in different contexts. "Button-down" is commonly used as an adjective to describe a type of shirt with buttons down the front, while "button down" is a verb phrase meaning to fasten or secure something with buttons.

Last Updated: March 19, 2024

The phrase "button down" is a verb phrase that means to fasten or secure something with buttons. It is used when referring to the action of buttoning up a shirt or jacket.

Examples:

Please button down your coat before going outside.
She buttoned down her shirt carefully.

Alternatives:

fasten with buttons
secure with buttons
button up
button closed
buttoned

The term "button-down" is commonly used as an adjective to describe a type of shirt that has buttons down the front. It is often used in fashion and clothing contexts.

Examples:

He wore a button-down shirt to the meeting.
She prefers button-down blouses for work.

Alternatives:

button-up
buttoned-down
buttoned-up
button-front
buttoned shirt

Answer 1

button down

This is a correct construction commonly used in English.

Answer 2

button-down

This is a correct construction commonly used in English.

"button down" vs "button-down"

button down

button-down

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