diurnal insect typically having a slender body with knobbed antennae and broad colorful wings
"The monarch butterfly fluttered past, displaying its slender body, knobbed antennae, and vibrant orange wings."
a swimming stroke in which the arms are thrown forward together out of the water while the feet kick up and down
"The swimmer executed an impressive butterfly, gliding smoothly as her arms propelled her forward simultaneously."
A flying insect of the order Lepidoptera, distinguished from moths by their diurnal activity and generally brighter colouring.
"The colorful butterfly fluttered around the garden flowers during the bright afternoon sun."
In plain English: A butterfly is an insect with colorful wings that flutters around flowers and changes color as it grows up.
"A colorful butterfly landed on my shoulder while I was walking in the garden."
Usage: Use "butterfly" as a noun to describe the colorful day-flying insect or as a verb when slicing food lengthwise into thin strips that resemble its winged shape. This culinary technique is distinct from other cuts because it specifically spreads the halves apart rather than leaving them attached at one end.
flutter like a butterfly
"The little girl flapped her arms and tried to fly through the air like a butterfly."
To cut (food) almost entirely in half and spread the halves apart, in a shape suggesting the wings of a butterfly.
"The chef carefully butterflied the chicken breast so it would cook evenly while retaining its moisture."
In plain English: To butterfly means to move quickly and lightly through an area, often by dodging obstacles while running away from someone chasing you.
"The dancer moved her arms so gracefully that she truly seemed to be flying like a butterfly."
The word "butterfly" comes from Middle English and Old English, combining the words for "butter" and "fly." It originally referred to an insect that resembles a small piece of butter.