Butterflies
/ˈbʌtərˌflaɪz/
Definitions
2 meaningsA flying insect with large, often brightly colored wings.
/ˈbʌtərˌflaɪz/
Flying insect with large, patterned wings.
Many different species of butterflies live in this region.
💡 Simply: A pretty insect with big wings that flies.
More Examples
A monarch butterfly landed gently on the flower.
How It's Used
"The butterflies fluttered around the colorful flowers."
"He felt a flutter of butterflies in his stomach before the presentation."
A feeling of nervousness or excitement, often felt in the stomach.
/ˈbʌtərˌflaɪz/
Nervous feeling in the stomach.
She got butterflies before going on stage.
💡 Simply: A nervous feeling.
More Examples
The anticipation gave him butterflies.
How It's Used
"I had butterflies in my stomach before the job interview."
From Middle English boterflye, from Old English buttorfleoge, literally "butter fly," referring to the insect's association with butter and its fluttering flight.
The term's association with butter likely stems from the belief that butterflies were attracted to dairy products, a common misconception.
Memory tip
Imagine a buttery-yellow colored fly with big wings.