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butterfly
[ buht-er-flahy ]
noun
- any of numerous diurnal insects of the order Lepidoptera, characterized by clubbed antennae, a slender body, and large, broad, often conspicuously marked wings.
- a person who flits aimlessly from one interest or group to another:
a social butterfly.
- butterflies, (used with a plural verb) Informal. a queasy feeling, as from nervousness, excitement, etc.
- a racing breaststroke, using a dolphin kick, in which the swimmer brings both arms out of the water in forward, circular motions.
- Carpentry. butterfly wedge.
- Sculpture. an X -shaped support attached to an armature.
- one of the swinging brackets of a butterfly table.
- Movies. a screen of scrim, gauze, or similar material, for diffusing light.
verb (used with object)
- Cooking. to slit open and spread apart to resemble the spread wings of a butterfly.
adjective
- Cooking. split open and spread apart to resemble a butterfly:
butterfly shrimp; butterfly steak.
butterfly
/ ˈʌəˌڱɪ /
noun
- any diurnal insect of the order Lepidoptera that has a slender body with clubbed antennae and typically rests with the wings (which are often brightly coloured) closed over the back Compare moth lepidopteran
- a person who never settles with one group, interest, or occupation for long
- a swimming stroke in which the arms are plunged forward together in large circular movements
- commerce the simultaneous purchase and sale of traded call options, at different exercise prices or with different expiry dates, on a stock exchange or commodity market
Other Word Forms
- ܳt·ڱl adjective adverb
Word History and Origins
Origin of butterfly1
Word History and Origins
Origin of butterfly1
Example Sentences
They are either having a very good time — with much laughter and banter, and perhaps a tear or two when a butterfly emerges from the cocoon — or else they are excellent actors.
The resulting piece was a pair of butterfly wings braided into her hair intended to symbolize her recent metamorphosis.
Gardeners are being urged to resist mowing their entire lawns in efforts to support struggling butterfly populations.
I have a rainbow butterfly on my foot that I got to match all the colors in my outfits when I was 16.
The warm spell is expected to give a temporary boost to nature as migratory birds arrive from afar and butterflies stretch their wings.
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