Synonyms for

Butterflies

Verb / ˈbʌtɜ:ˌflaɪz / Another word for butterflies — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

Butterflies are insects with large, often brightly colored wings that have a pattern of tiny scales.

Synonyms & similar words

coquette butterfly chatup butterflystroke flirt coquet romance mash dally philander moths lepidoptera caterpillars insects bugs beetles ants flies dragonflies bees wasps hornets fireflies grasshoppers crickets cockroaches spiders snails worms centipedes

Synonyms by register

Formal

lepidopterans

Informal

flutterbys

Literary

winged jewels painted ladies nectar sippers

Antonyms

caterpillars larvae grubs worms maggots

Common collocations

  • butterflies in my stomach
  • chasing butterflies
  • beautiful butterflies
  • swallowtail butterfly
  • monarch butterfly
  • print butterflies
  • butterfly effect

Word family

noun butterfly
verb butterfly

Usage note

The term 'butterflies' most commonly refers to the insect. Figuratively, 'butterflies in my stomach' describes a feeling of nervousness or excitement.

Example sentences

  1. The butterflies landed on the flowers.
  2. I saw a butterfly with orange and black wings.
  3. The butterfly flapped its wings and flew away.
  4. Butterflies are important pollinators.
  5. I caught a butterfly in my net.

Quotes

  • Happiness is a butterfly, which when pursued, is always just beyond your grasp, but which, if you will sit down quietly, may alight upon you. - Nathaniel Hawthorne
  • Just living is not enough... one must have sunshine, freedom, and a little flower. - Hans Christian Andersen
  • The butterfly counts not months but moments, and has time enough. - Rabindranath Tagore

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