butterfly

[ buht-er-flahy ]

noun

, plural but·ter·flies.

1. any of numerous diurnal insects of the order Lepidoptera, characterized by clubbed antennae, a slender body, and large, broad, often conspicuously marked wings.
2. a person who flits aimlessly from one interest or group to another:

   a social butterfly.

3. butterflies, (used with a plural verb) Informal. a queasy feeling, as from nervousness, excitement, etc.
4. a racing breaststroke, using a dolphin kick, in which the swimmer brings both arms out of the water in forward, circular motions.
5. Carpentry. butterfly wedge.
6. Sculpture. an X -shaped support attached to an armature.
7. one of the swinging brackets of a butterfly table.
8. Movies. a screen of scrim, gauze, or similar material, for diffusing light.

verb (used with object)

, but·ter·flied, but·ter·fly·ing.

1. Cooking. to slit open and spread apart to resemble the spread wings of a butterfly.

adjective

1. Cooking. split open and spread apart to resemble a butterfly:

   butterfly shrimp; butterfly steak.

butterfly

/ ˈbʌtəˌflaɪ /

noun

1. 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
2. a person who never settles with one group, interest, or occupation for long
3. a swimming stroke in which the arms are plunged forward together in large circular movements
4. 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 Words From

• butter·flylike adjective adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of butterfly¹

First recorded before 1000; Middle English boterflye, Old English buttorflēoge; equivalent to butter + fly ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of butterfly¹

Old English buttorflēoge ; the name perhaps is based on a belief that butterflies stole milk and butter

Example Sentences

He considers himself a laissez-faire guy who believes in the butterfly effect, and with the career path he’s helmed, he’s been able to star in his most fulfilling role — dad.

From Los Angeles Times

This can have a negative impact on human health and pollinator insect species, such as bees and butterflies.

From Science Daily

Other creatures have visual systems that are responsive to different frequencies of light, with birds and butterflies able to perceive wavelengths in the ultraviolet range.

From Salon

It had very similar vibes to Twitter — notice the light blue butterfly logo, which echoes Twitter's blue bird logo.

From Salon

At the moment, though, it’s hard to concentrate on anything other than the giant golden butterfly fluttering around our table.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• brush
• glance
• graze
• greet
• salute