any of numerous diurnal insects of the order Lepidoptera, characterized by clubbed antennae, a slender body, and large, broad, often conspicuously marked wings.

a person who flits aimlessly from one interest or group to another

a social butterfly.

butterflies, ( used with a plural verb ) Informal . a queasy feeling, as from nervousness, excitement, etc.

a racing breaststroke, using a dolphin kick, in which the swimmer brings both arms out of the water in forward, circular motions.

Carpentry . butterfly wedge.

Sculpture . an X -shaped support attached to an armature.

one of the swinging brackets of a butterfly table.

Movies . a screen of scrim, gauze, or similar material, for diffusing light.

Cookery . to slit open and spread apart to resemble the spread wings of a butterfly.

Cookery . split open and spread apart to resemble a butterfly

butterfly shrimp; butterfly steak.

adjective

lepidopterological , lepidopterous

noun

admiral , alfalfa , aphrodite , apollo , buckeye , caterpillar , christmas , chrysalis , giant , grayling , lepidopteran , metamorphosis , monarch , morpho , moth , pupa , red admiral , satyr , skipper , tiger , underwing , ursula , viceroy , zebra