push button

US: (pŏŏsh′but′n)

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026

ˈpush ˌbut•ton, n. [countable]

1. Electricity a button that opens or closes an electric circuit when it is pressed or released.

push-but•ton, adj.: 

a push-button phone.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026

push′ but′ton, 

1. Electricity 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. Electricity the button or knob depressed.
Also, push′but′ton. 
• 1875–80, American.

push-but•ton  (pŏŏsh′but′n), adj. 

1. Electricity 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.

• 1875–80, American.

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

push button noun

1. an electrical switch operated by pressing a button, which closes or opens a circuit
2. push-button (modifier) operated by a push button: a push-button radio
3. initiated as simply as by pressing a button: push-button warfare