swallowtail

[ swol-oh-teyl ]

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. Compare spicebush swallowtail, tiger swallowtail, zebra swallowtail.
3. tailcoat ( def ).

swallowtail

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of swallowtail¹

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

Example Sentences

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

Some of the larger butterflies, such as swallowtails, can be identified on the wing.

From Seattle Times

So pawpaw trees rely on pollinators like zebra swallowtails to produce fruit.

From Seattle Times

Styles of the time included the thin, angular “stiletto,” a fuller “square cut,” and even a double-tufted “swallowtail.”

From National Geographic

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