Meaning & Definition of word "Butterfly"
Butterfly
/ˈbʌtərˌflaɪ/
noun:
- 1. A butterfly is an insect with two pairs of large, typically brightly colored wings that are covered in tiny scales.
- Example: The garden was filled with colorful butterflies flitting from flower to flower.
- 2. A butterfly can also refer to a person or figure that is perceived as light-hearted or carefree.
- Example: She danced around the room like a butterfly, carefree and joyful.
- 3. In a more specific context, 'butterfly' can describe a type of aquatic or aerial creature, related but different from the common butterfly.
- Example: The butterfly fish gracefully moved through the coral reef.
verb:
- 1. To butterfly means to spread the wings of a butterfly as it takes flight.
- Example: As the sun rose, butterflies began to butterfly in the warm morning air.
Etymology
●The word 'butterfly' is thought to derive from the Old English 'butterfloege', possibly referring to the yellow color of some species resembling butter.
Common Phrases and Expressions
butterfly effect:
The concept that small causes can have large effects, often used in chaos theory.
social butterfly:
A person who is sociable and enjoys spending time with others.
butterfly in your stomach:
A feeling of nervousness or excitement.
Related Words
caterpillar:
The larval stage of a butterfly, often a long, worm-like creature.
larva:
The juvenile form of an insect that undergoes metamorphosis, including the caterpillar stage.
metamorphosis:
The process of transformation from an immature form to an adult form in two or more distinct stages.
Slang Meanings of butterfly
Meaning: To flirt or socialize with many people.
● Example Sentence: She's such a butterfly, always moving around the party and chatting with everyone.
Meaning: To change one's loyalties or opinions frequently.
● Example Sentence: He's a bit of a butterfly; you never know which side he's on.