butterfly
but‧ter‧fly /ˈbʌtəflaɪ $ -ər-/
noun (plural butterflies) [countable]
1. a type of insect that has large wings, often with beautiful colours
2. have/get butterflies (in your stomach) informal to feel very nervous before doing something:
I always get butterflies before an exam.
3. the butterfly a way of swimming by lying on your front and moving your arms together over your head while your legs move up and down
4. someone who usually moves on quickly from one activity or person to the next:
Gwen’s a real social butterfly.
but‧ter‧fly /ˈbʌtəflaɪ $ -ər-/
noun (plural butterflies) [countable] Language: Old English
Origin: buterfleoge, from butere ( ⇨ butter1) + fleoge 'fly'; perhaps because many types of butterfly are yellow, or because people believed that butterflies steal milk and butter
Origin: buterfleoge, from butere ( ⇨ butter1) + fleoge 'fly'; perhaps because many types of butterfly are yellow, or because people believed that butterflies steal milk and butter
1. a type of insect that has large wings, often with beautiful colours
2. have/get butterflies (in your stomach) informal to feel very nervous before doing something:
3. the butterfly a way of swimming by lying on your front and moving your arms together over your head while your legs move up and down
4. someone who usually moves on quickly from one activity or person to the next: