nounverb

le bouton

button

C'est une petite chose ronde que l'on trouve sur les vêtements pour les fermer, ou parfois sur la peau comme une petite bosse.

Definition & meaning

Bouton is a masculine French noun: un bouton, plural des boutons. Its meaning depends on context:

Button or fastener
A small object sewn onto clothing and passed through a buttonhole to close it.
- un bouton de chemise — a shirt button
- fermer un bouton — to fasten a button
Control button or knob
A button, switch, or knob used to operate a device or machine.
- appuyer sur un bouton — to press a button
- le bouton marche/arrêt — the on/off button
Pimple, spot, or blemish
A small raised mark on the skin, especially one caused by acne or irritation.
- avoir des boutons — to have spots or pimples
- un bouton d’acné — an acne spot
Bud
A young, unopened flower or leaf.
- un bouton de rose — a rosebud
Boil or skin swelling
In some contexts, bouton can refer generally to a lump, swelling, or inflamed spot on the skin.

Grammar & Word origin

Bouton is masculine: un bouton. Its plural is boutons.

It comes from Old French boton, related to the verb , meaning “to push” or “to project.” The original idea was something that protrudes, which explains the connection between a clothing button, a control knob, a skin pimple, and a flower bud.

Related words include — “to button up” or “to bud” — and — “buttonhole” or “buttonhole flower.”

Synonyms & antonyms

The appropriate synonym depends on the meaning:

Button or control: — a push-button; more technical than bouton. — a control or control mechanism; broader than bouton.
Pimple or spot: — a blackhead or whitehead; more specifically medical. — an acne pimple; more specific than bouton.
Bud: — a plant bud; generally used for leaves or shoots, whereas bouton often refers to a flower bud.

There is no single direct antonym for bouton. Depending on the sense, possible contrasts include — “open,” for a button or fastening — and — “smooth,” when contrasting with a raised skin spot.