buttoned-up
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The Kaufman and James recordings sound more like something out of the buttoned-up Gay Nineties than the libertine Roaring ’20s or the Big Band Era.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 14, 2026
The disappearance of Guthrie, a crime that remains uncracked after more than three weeks, is the rare story that spans the breadth of tabloid gossip and buttoned-up newspaper reporting.
From Slate • Feb. 23, 2026
Notwithstanding a change of hair or profession, Demascus remains more or less himself as shapes shift around him — the protagonist, basically a good guy, a little buttoned-up, a little insecure.
From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 7, 2025
Her shirt might be undone, in contrast to the severe, buttoned-up tailoring of last week, but her shoulders are sharp and accentuated.
From BBC • Jan. 27, 2025
For this buttoned-up age, for Burnham, it was a letter that could have steamed itself open.
From "The Devil in the White City" by Erik Larson
![]()