English · Nature & Environment
butterfly
/ˈbʌt.ər.flaɪ/
[/ˈbʌt.ər.flaɪ/]
winged colourful insect
Beginnernoun
Definition
An insect with large, often brightly coloured wings that develops from a caterpillar.
Example
A butterfly drifted from flower to flower, its orange wings glowing in the afternoon sun.
A butterfly drifted from flower to flower, its orange wings glowing in the afternoon sun.
Etymology
From Old English 'butorflēoge', of obscure origin.
How & Where It’s Used
Symbol of transformation; 'butterflies in the stomach' means nervousness.