painted lady

[ peyn-tid ley-dee ]

noun

1. a butterfly, Vanessa cardui, one of the most widespread butterflies in the world, having brownish-black and orange wings with four eyespots on each hindwing. Compare American painted lady ( def ).
2. Often Painted Lady. a Victorian or Edwardian house painted in at least three colors to enhance the intricate exterior detailing:

   Our painted lady is an 1868 Victorian with peach clapboards, periwinkle doors, and ornate features in white and pearl gray.

painted lady

noun

1. a migratory nymphalid butterfly, Vanessa cardui, with pale brownish-red mottled wings

Word History and Origins

Origin of painted lady¹

First recorded in 1690–1700 painted lady for 1, 1975–80 painted lady for 2

Example Sentences

Butterfly Conservation said it was the worst year recorded for the common blue, holly blue, green-veined white, small white, small tortoiseshell, painted lady and Scotch argus.

From BBC

Westmore got fired from her job, got death threats, got marriage proposals, and, along with her painted lady, got a permanent place in L.A. lore.

From Los Angeles Times

When incorporating sweet peas into a bed design, Mattus prefers to use antique varieties like Painted Lady, Flora Norton or America, which have slightly smaller, ruffled flowers.

From Seattle Times

However, some painted lady butterfly swarms have grown as large as 70 miles across, enough to be picked up by weather radar.

From Salon

The quintet was further fleshed out with a constellation of features, including the flute player Elena Pinderhughes and the guitarist Julian Lage on the rollicking cut “Wind Flower,” and sultry vocals by Melanie Charles and Somi on “Throw It Away,” a sage yet slinky tune first recorded on “Painted Lady,” Lincoln’s 1995 collaborative album with Archie Shepp.

From New York Times