noun
butterfly
BUH-tuh-fleye
noun
1
An insect with large, often brightly patterned wings, known for its delicate flight.
"A monarch butterfly landed on the flower."
2
A swimming stroke in which both arms move together in a circular motion while the legs kick in a dolphin-like motion.
"She swam the butterfly in the state championship."
verb
1
To slice food almost all the way through and open it flat like a book.
"Butterfly the chicken breast before grilling it."
How to Use Butterfly
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe flying insect, the swimming stroke, or (as a verb) to slice and flatten food like a book.
Common mistake
"Butterflies in your stomach" describes nervous excitement, not literal insects.
Common pairings
butterfly effect
butterfly stroke
butterflies in your stomach
Word Forms
butterflied past tense, butterflies singular
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A monarch _____ landed on the flower.
Etymology
From Old English buterflēoge, literally "butter-fly." No one is fully sure why — theories range from the insect's yellowish color, an old belief that butterflies stole milk or butter, to a folk idea that they excreted a butter-like substance.