A gradient button in design refers to a button that has a color gradient, where the colors blend smoothly from one end to the other. It is commonly used in user interface design to create a visually appealing and interactive element. DW, likely referring to Adobe Dreamweaver, is a web development software that allows users to create and design web pages. In Dreamweaver, users can customize button styles, including applying gradient effects to buttons to enhance the aesthetic of their web designs.