butterfly net

noun

1. a conical net of fine mesh held open by a round rim to which a long handle is attached, used for collecting butterflies and other insects.

Word History and Origins

Origin of butterfly net¹

First recorded in 1820–30

Example Sentences

As Hofsø looks on, the stooge throws a butterfly net over the unsuspecting Støre.

From BBC

“That was very funny. Every time we’ve met him since, he says, ‘Oh – are you going to catch me in that butterfly net?!’”

From BBC

Brandishing a butterfly net with impressive accuracy, Renee Buck dashes down the trail, then triumphantly holds aloft her prize — a dazzling orange and black fritillary butterfly interrupted during its flitting passage through the wildflowers at Mount Rainier National Park.

From Seattle Times

The version of “Butterfly Net” on Caroline Polachek’s 2023 album, “Desire, I Want to Turn Into You,” was largely a 1960s-flavored folk-rock march that had her singing about “trying to catch your light.”

From New York Times

But the official said no technology exists that would allow such a “butterfly net” capture operation.

From Washington Post