What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
button
Example
She sewed a button onto her shirt to keep it closed. [button: noun]
Example
Press the button to turn on the lights. [button: noun]
Example
The dress was adorned with beautiful buttons. [buttons: plural noun]
fastener
Example
The carpenter used a fastener to attach the pieces of wood together. [fastener: noun]
Example
She used a zipper as a fastener for her jacket. [fastener: noun]
Example
The bag had a broken fastener, so she couldn't close it properly. [fastener: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Button is more commonly used than fastener in everyday language, especially in the context of clothing and fashion. Fastener is a more technical term that is commonly used in specific industries or when referring to closures or clasps in a general sense.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between button and fastener?
Both button and fastener can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, fastener may sound more technical and formal when used in specific industries or technical discussions.