button-down

American  

[buht-n-doun] / ˈbʌt nˌdaʊn /

adjective

1. (of a shirt collar) having buttonholes so it can be buttoned to the body of the shirt.

2. (of a shirt) having a button-down collar.

3. (of a shirt) having buttons down the front from the collar to the bottom.

4. Also buttoned-down (especially of attitudes, opinions, etc.) extremely conventional; unimaginative.

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button-down British  

adjective

1. (of a collar) having points that are fastened to the garment with buttons

2. (of a shirt) having a button-down collar

3. Also: buttoned-down.  conventional or conservative

   a button-down corporate culture

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Etymology

Origin of button-down

An Americanism dating back to 1930–35

Example Sentences

These days, even Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon wears the “midtown uniform” of a button-down shirt and fleece vest.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 7, 2026

Newsboy caps, button-down vests and a predominance of subtle plaids recalled "Peaky Blinders", while pocket watch chains consolidated the 1920s feel.

From Barron's • Feb. 26, 2026

In her 2024 Tiny Desk Concert for NPR, Roan is surrounded by seven femme musicians, each wearing red lipstick, blue eyeshadow, a pink button-down or a red party dress.

From Salon • Feb. 19, 2026

“I had to lose Hugh Jackman to be Mike,” says the actor, relaxed in an umber-colored button-down shirt.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 19, 2025

He was dressed in his typical school uniform: khaki slacks, blue blazer, button-down shirt, and tastefully striped tie.

From "Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library" by Chris Grabenstein