Butterfly
/ˈbʌtərˌflaɪ/
nounBeginnerVery CommonGeneral
Idiom
Meaning
Question
Definitions
1
A flying insect with large, often brightly colored wings.
/ˈbʌtərˌflaɪ/
nounneutralBeginner
General
Flying insect with large, often brightly colored wings.
A monarch butterfly fluttered past.
💡 Simply: A pretty insect that flies.
More Examples
2
Children chased the butterflies in the meadow.
How It's Used
Nature
"The butterfly landed gently on the flower."
Children's Literature
"The story featured a magical butterfly."
Idioms & expressions
have butterflies in one's stomach
To feel nervous or anxious.
"I had butterflies in my stomach before the presentation."
From Middle English boterflye, from Old English buttorfleoge, literally "butter-fly," referring to the insect's yellow color reminiscent of butter.
The term 'butterfly' has been used for centuries, often with associations to its delicate nature and vibrant colors.
Memory tip
Think of 'butter' for its color and 'fly' for its ability to fly.
Practice
Base: butterfly
butterfliebuterflybutterfley
Usage
60%Spoken
40%Written