swallowtail

American  

[swol-oh-teyl] / ˈswɒl oʊˌteɪl /

noun

1. the tail of a swallow or a deeply forked tail like that of a swallow.

2. any of several butterflies of the genus Papilio, characterized by elongated hindwings that resemble the tail of a swallow, such as P. polyxenes black swallowtail.

3. tailcoat.

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swallowtail British  

/ ˈswɒləʊˌteɪl /

noun

1. any of various butterflies of the genus Papilio and related genera, esp P. machaon of Europe, having a tail-like extension of each hind wing: family Papilionidae

2. the forked tail of a swallow or similar bird

3. short for swallow-tailed coat

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Etymology

Origin of swallowtail

First recorded in 1535–45; swallow ² + tail ¹

Example Sentences

The plant is also being established elsewhere across the River Hull catchment, creating the wider network of wetland habitat that the swallowtail will eventually need.

From BBC • Apr. 1, 2026

Its native grasses and forested hillsides host nesting ospreys and more than 200 other bird species, along with mule deer, wild turkeys, coyotes and the rare pipevine swallowtail butterfly.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 20, 2024

In particular, the Papilio xuthus, a yellow, Asian swallowtail butterfly, has not only blue, green and red, but also violet, ultraviolet and broadband receptors.

From Science Daily • Nov. 3, 2023

He wore the swallowtail suit he married in 40 years earlier.

From New York Times • Feb. 15, 2023

His smelly old swallowtail coat was hopelessly outdated by then, but he wouldn’t hear of parting with it.

From "The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate" by Jacqueline Kelly