VocabDictionary

belly button

/ˈbɛli ˌbʌtən/beginner Level

English Meaning & Definitions

1.noun

The small, indented or protruding scar on the center of the abdomen, marking the site where the umbilical cord was attached during fetal development.

Example Sentences:
  • The child was fascinated by the lint he found inside his belly button.
  • She wore a crop top that left her belly button exposed.
Share & Learn With Friends

Share “belly button” with study groups, classmates, or on your social channels.

English Synonyms & Near Equivalents

Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown

Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for “belly button”.

Thesaurus Entry
Cultural Origin & Etymology

The term is a compound of 'belly' (from Old English 'belig', meaning bag or bellows) and 'button' (from Old French 'boton', meaning a bud or knob). It emerged in the early 20th century as a colloquial, child-friendly euphemism for the medical term 'umbilicus', describing the small, knob-like or indented scar left on the abdomen after the umbilical cord is detached at birth.

Memory Aid & Mnemonic

Think of your stomach as a shirt and the navel as the 'button' that holds it closed.

Frequently Asked Questions About “belly button

1. What is the meaning of “belly button” in English?

In English, belly button (noun) is defined as: “The small, indented or protruding scar on the center of the abdomen, marking the site where the umbilical cord was attached during fetal development.”.

2. How do you use “belly button” in a sentence?

The child was fascinated by the lint he found inside his belly button.

3. What are English synonyms of “belly button”?

Common synonyms include:navel,umbilicus,bellybutton,omphalos

4. What is the etymology and word origin of “belly button”?

The term is a compound of 'belly' (from Old English 'belig', meaning bag or bellows) and 'button' (from Old French 'boton', meaning a bud or knob). It emerged in the early 20th century as a colloquial, child-friendly euphemism for the medical term 'umbilicus', describing the small, knob-like or indented scar left on the abdomen after the umbilical cord is detached at birth.